U.S. export regulations

Greetings fellow enthusiastics

I am wondering (and I am not only one) what are restrictions when U.S. company or individual wants to sell guns/gun parts abroad?
Today exchange rate of euro/dollar is quite good for european buyers when buying from United States and there are some of us who would like to order AK-parts (and sometimes semi-auto AKs) from U.S.

So what are regulations nowadays. It seems like suddenly most companies reply with following message:
"Thank you for your interest but we are not able to ship anything outside U.S.". Is this really true?

Also this thread could be used both ways. What are products that I can't ship to U.S.? And for more what are restrictions locally, so we could check those things somewhere before shipping.

Thanks for all of you in advance.

A permit is required for gun parts, export and import.

So there are no 100USD limitations?

What about stocks? Magazines? There was another thread with polymer stock for PSL and I didn't find retailer. Some still ship abroad I believe or are there some products which are OK to export?

Weapons need licenses I understand that. But it is sometimes funny to compare legislation from here and there.

Here in Finland, barrels (it is barrel only with chamber) and bolt heads (I am not sure is this valid term) are licensed. So any other part can be imported without any license.

But it seems that receivers are licensed in U.S. So it is almost opposite. :)

Thank you for your fast reply.

It's suppose to include all gun parts. Sporting optics are suppose to get a pass though. Exporting is a big issue. Importing can lead to problems if somebody paid you and you send it, it might get taken in customs and you won't know and the person that paid you won't know. Then both parties think the other is lying about sending it or not receiving it.

That is why I thought this thread could be useful for many of us. I believe that most of us want to make honest business and/or be honest customers.

I believe we all could, and should, learn more about these regulations. I don't want free trade to be limited to bananas. :)

This is a good topic. The Numrich website (bigger/biggest(?) parts seller in the US) has a good BASIC description of what is ok to export and what is not. As well as where you can export to. They charge a $25 export handling fee. Which I suspect is to cover additional export paperwork on non-restricted export parts. But it does not say. I have not had a chance to read thru the entire actual US Code. Which I listed below. And not sure it's the entire code:

Export policy from Numrich's site:

"If you are placing an order for shipment outside of the United States, please review the following CHANGES regarding foreign orders.

* As of April 1 2008, we will no longer accept export orders where the value of the parts exceeds $100 or that contain a restricted part, requiring an export license from the U.S. Department of State or an import license from the country of destination. (Note: Canada has a $200 parts limit)
* Postage for all foreign orders is based on weight and destination.
* All foreign orders are shipped via the United States Postal Service and all foreign orders are subject to a $25.00 export handling fee in addition to our regular shipping charges.
* Foreign orders normally require more than the normal 24-48 hr processing time.
* Certain parts are restricted for export by the United States Government, including barrels, barrel blanks, bolt assemblies, cylinders, receivers, frames, bolts, and high capacity magazines. For a complete list of restricted items and models that are restricted or that require additional licensing please click on the link below:
Restricted Models List http://www.e-gunparts.com/Foreign_Restricted.asp
* The United States government has restrictions in place with regards to countries to which we are unable to export. For the complete list of restricted countries, please click on the link below:
Restricted Countries List http://www.e-gunparts.com/Foreign_Countries.asp "


I wish I could find a complete list of countries that CAN export to! But basically I think it is NATO countries.

In addition here is specific US law in detail - some - maybe all of the actual codes:

http://law.justia.com/us/cfr/title27/27-2.0.1.2.2.html

http://law.justia.com/us/cfr/title27/27-2.0.1.2.3.html


I'll keep looking to see if I can find what if any paperwork is necessary to ship ok parts to ok countries.

Moab

From Brownells website:

Part 1: General Information, International

There are a number of items which Brownells sells which need US State Department approval and an export license before they can be shipped out of the country. The regulations are complex and constantly changing but our staff is here to help you understand what is needed and will gladly work with you to correctly accomplish the task.

Generally speaking, items which usually need a license are:

* Frames
* Receivers
* Barrels
* Barrel Liners
* Various other gun parts such as triggers, sears, ejectors, magazine tubes, scopes, and other items if the ordered amount is over $100.00 US.

Licenses from the US State Department take time to receive. You will need a DSP-83 form from the US State Department for regulated items. It can easily take 30-60 days to obtain an export license, so plan ahead accordingly. Many other countries also require the buyer to apply for and receive an import permit or certificate in order to be able to import a licensed item into their country; so again, you will have to be aware of what the laws are for your country.

Brownells has an obligation to monitor our shipments for both direct and indirect exports. A direct export is when an order is placed by someone outside of the United States and then ships out of the US when all the required licenses and investigations have been successfully completed for that order. An indirect export is where an order is placed by a customer outside of the US and then is shipped to another location within the United States. Both of these examples could need an export license to take place.

There are a number of things which need to be checked and verified for an export order and Brownells is diligent to conduct the required procedures as specified by the law. Brownells will swiftly report any violations to the appropriate governing authorities of any potential customer which seeks to break those laws.

You will be required to provide an import permit or certificate from your government for us to include along with the export application for you order. You will also have to provide Brownells with a written order for the items you wish to order. This can be an official purchase order or a written order on your company’s letterhead, paragraphing in letter form the items you wish to order. Your signature is required on these items as well. The US Department of State also requires that your written order reflect that Brownells is the supplier your order is directed to. Failure to do so will cause your application to be denied. Unfortunately, the Brownells Order Form from our web site or our Web Order Confirmation cannot be accepted as a written order.

Exports of licensed products are regulated by various US Government agencies. The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) is administered by The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) through the US Department of State. Click here for more information on License Support Documentation information from DDTC: http://pmddtc.state.gov

Other Web Resources

* http://www.access.gpo.gov/bis/ear/pdf/738spir.pdf

This is the Commerce Department EAR Section 731 Supplement No. 1 Country Chart. In this listing, if your country is listed on the chart and has an ‘X’ in the FC, CC1, CC2, CC3, AT1, OR AT2 columns, you will need an export permit.

* http://www.access.gpo.gov/bis/ear/pdf/cc10.pdf

This is the Commerce Department EAR Section 774 Category 0 listing. The following classifications will need a license:

ECCN 0A018 – Items which are on the Wassenaar Munitions List

ECCN 0A984 – Shotguns, barrel length 18 inches (45.72 cm) or over; buckshot shotgun shells; except equipment used exclusively to treat or tranquilize animals, and except arms designed solely for signal, flare, or saluting use; and parts, not elsewhere specified.

ECCN 0A987 – Optical sighting devices for firearms (including shotguns controlled by 0A984); and parts, not elsewhere specified.

Canadian customers can click here for information regarding firearms purchases: http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/faq/import_e.asp

Canadian customers can click here for information regarding firearms parts purchases: http://www.international.gc.ca/eicb/military/faq-en.asp

Canadian customers are required to provide and Import Authorization which states that you can import firearm components. Our Department of State will only accept a certified English translation of this import permit. DO NOT send your original copy because you will need it to receive the goods when they come to you.

If your country does not require an import license, you will need to post us a certified letter reflecting this information. Your written, signed order is required, as well as the guidelines previously mentioned. If you have any questions you may contact our Foreign Sales Department.

Part 2: Shipping Information, International

Ordering Requirements
To be sure your order reaches you without delay, please send the include the following information with your order: Complete street address, Post Office Box, Phone and Fax Number (including country code and your Email address). A telephone number is required by all shipping carriers and your order will not be processed unless one is listed. Providing your Email address will allow you to follow your order through our system and track your shipment.


Need to order a regulated item? Regulated items must be shipped under an export license. The Untied States Department of State requires an import certificate/permit, written purchase (on your letterhead stationary), end-user statement and DSP83 form for regulated items to be shipped internationally.

Here is a DSP-83 Form and End-User Statement


Small Package Air
Small packages can be sent U.S. Air Mail at a reduced cost if they weigh less than 4 pounds (1.8 kg). This service does not offer tracking capability.

Parcel Post Surface
Expect 3 to 4 months delivery time. Size and weight limits may vary from country to country. Large gun cases, long gun boxes and buffer pedestals exceed the specifications for Parcel Post Air or Priority. Service does not offer tracking capability.

Parcel Post Air or Priority
Same as Parcel Post Surface except delivery time is seven to 10 days. No tracking capability is offered.

Parcel Post Express
Packages sent Parcel Post Express should arrive seven to nine days after the required paperwork is filed and completed. Weight limits vary between countries. Offers tracking capability.

UPS Standard to Canada: UPS offers standard shipment to Canada, the delivery time is basically less than one weeks time. All brokerage fees are assessed upon receipt. All shipments have tracking capability.

UPS Expedited: UPS expedited offers delivery within 10 days. Tracking capability is standard and brokerage fees are assessed upon receipt.

UPS Express: UPS express offers delivery within five to seven days and in most areas sooner. Service offers tracking capability and brokerage fees are assessed upon receipt.

D.B. Schenker, Inc./BAX Global. Very expensive, used for high dollar value orders and/or high volume orders. There are no size or weight restrictions, but chemicals are restricted. Consult International Shipping Restrictions for further delivery limitations. Prices vary; contact our International Department for freight quotes.

Truck to Canada
Expensive; check quotes before specifying. Bluing salts, aerosol products, buffers, gallon containers of bluing chemicals, pedestals, and heavier items must be shipped Truck Freight. Please request a quote (international@brownells.com).
Part 3: Address Information, International

Ship to and Bill to Address
If your “ship to address” is in the U.S., but your “bill to address” is not, the order will still be assessed as an international order with the same rules and regulations as shipping internationally.
Part 4: Payment Options



Pay by Credit Card
It’s the fastest and easiest way for our International Customers to order on-line. When you fill out the Step 2, please provide your card number, expiration date, and your name (as it appears on the card). When your order is shipped, we will send an e-mail notifying you of the exact charges to your credit card (both shipping and merchandise).

Pay by Wire Transfer
You can electronically transfer funds from your bank to ours. Please call (641-623-5401) to make arrangements. Paying by electronic transfer add an additional $30 for fees.

Pay by Money Order or Bank Draft
International money orders and bank drafts are also acceptable forms of payment. Money orders should be made payable in U.S. Dollars to Brownells, Inc and drawn on an International U.S. bank. Have your bank include its routing number on the face of the bank draft. We will ship immediately after receiving your payment.
Part 5: Additional Fees


Gun Parts: Fees and Licenses
Many of our items are classified as Gun Parts. There are many strictly enforced rules that go along with these parts.

A Gun Part is “any item necessary to the operation of a weapon”. Many parts fall within this category, such as triggers, magazines, grips, actions, pistol frames, and barrels.

* Electronic Export Information, EEI
o An EEI is required for all gun part orders and export license orders.

* Export License Fees
o An Export License is required for all Gun Part orders exceeding $100 (U.S.).
o Export licenses are issued by the U.S. State Department and may take between 30 and 40 days to receive. An Export License is will be required for each order that meets the criteria as set by the International Traffic In Arms Regulations, ITAR.
o Note: If the value or product nature of your order requires Brownells to apply for an export license there will be an additional charge of $250 or 3% of the value of the order (which ever is greater) to reimburse us for United States State Department fees.

Orders requiring an Export License will be shipped D.B. Schenker, Inc./BAX Global or through the postal service. Neither UPS nor FedEx will deliver these orders.
All actions, barreled actions, pistol frames, barrels, barrel liners, and cylinders (even if their price is less than $100, will require a United States Export License.)

Thank you.

Those links are very useful.

Restricted countries list is quite funny. Finland isn't restricted country (although Finland has been western nations since independence) but Estonia is (although Estonia is former republic of USSR, it is NATO-country while Finland is unaligned and there is much more (AFAIK) weapon policy in Estonia than Finland).

Are there import restrictions for you? If I would like to sell some parts to U.S. what are things I should notice. I certainly wouldn't want to commit a crime and when ordering something from private person I also certainly wouldn't like to cause any trouble.

And I am wondering if those export restrictions consider all magazines? Or is there some lo-/hi-cap scharade? I was trying to order PSL-magazines from U.S. (10 cartridges / magazine) and there seemed to be some problems.

I see the descriptions that say a gun part (for the purposes of export) is defined as "any part essential to the operation of a firearm". And some consider barrels, receivers, frames and even grips to be "essential to the operation of a firearm".

I wonder what type of gun parts CAN be shipped overseas WITHOUT an export license? I understand the part about it needing to be under $100. I'm just curious what CAN be shipped without the hassle of an export license. Rather than what CAN NOT.

The restrictions don''t have anything to do with NATO. NATO is a military alliance. There are trade restrictions with all of the former USSR republics, especially gun parts.

I see the descriptions that say a gun part (for the purposes of export) is defined as "any part essential to the operation of a firearm". And some consider barrels, receivers, frames and even grips to be "essential to the operation of a firearm".

I wonder what type of gun parts CAN be shipped overseas WITHOUT an export license? I understand the part about it needing to be under $100. I'm just curious what CAN be shipped without the hassle of an export license. Rather than what CAN NOT.

Mainly, "sporting" optics are about the only known unrestricted gun parts. Even military scopes require a license.

Thank you.

Those links are very useful.

Restricted countries list is quite funny. Finland isn't restricted country (although Finland has been western nations since independence) but Estonia is (although Estonia is former republic of USSR, it is NATO-country while Finland is unaligned and there is much more (AFAIK) weapon policy in Estonia than Finland).

Are there import restrictions for you? If I would like to sell some parts to U.S. what are things I should notice. I certainly wouldn't want to commit a crime and when ordering something from private person I also certainly wouldn't like to cause any trouble.


The law.justia.com links I placed in my first post detail a great amount of the import restrictions. But I think ITAR may include some too. I am not an expert. Just recently had the same curiosity as you. And started reading about it.

I know you can no longer import barrels. And receivers have been restricted for some time.

If I read it correctly even companies like Triple Break have a policy that even if your country has no import restrictions you have to send a letter to them stating that fact on your stationary. Probably just covering their ass liability wise.

Interesting topic.

The restrictions don''t have anything to do with NATO. NATO is a military alliance. There are trade restrictions with all of the former USSR republics, especially gun parts.

I was referring to post #7 from "moak". Seemed amusing. But I am glad trade restrictions have nothing to do with that.

I see the descriptions that say a gun part (for the purposes of export) is defined as "any part essential to the operation of a firearm". And some consider barrels, receivers, frames and even grips to be "essential to the operation of a firearm".

I wonder what type of gun parts CAN be shipped overseas WITHOUT an export license? I understand the part about it needing to be under $100. I'm just curious what CAN be shipped without the hassle of an export license. Rather than what CAN NOT.

I think we should, after this thread has been going long enough, compose list of what you can export/import with additional information from countries where are forum members interested of shipping internationally.

For what it's worth...

I used to export many items to Australia, mostly automobile parts. The import of an instrument cluster was no problem...unless it had a tachometer then the reciever's import duty was 240% of the price noted on the Customs declaration. Why? Tachometer or any 2 door auto parts or convertible parts were classified as 'Luxury' parts.
Getting my $ was another issue. My Bank charged $100.00 for a wire transfer. 'Gifting' the exchange was difficult at best IE I sent a carburetor and he sent me a hat. Try that with a set of cylinder heads. What could my buyer send me...100 hats?

It's gotten worse. The Customs 'Long Form' must now be filled out for anything except a letter. Describing a bolt carrier as a 'machine part' no longer works. The parcel will be siezed by Customs either here or there.

Recently I sent a flexi-screwdriver, some hardware, a bullet puller (Looks like a plastic hammer and some spices, candy flavor extracts etc and 2 rice meals to Australia.

It's been held in Customs for weeks. The foodstuffs were of course destroyed during analysis.
My friend may never get the package and I may never get it back.
This between two dear friends sending innocuous items back and forth for many years.

So I STRONGLY suggest an Export License for anyone sending anything overseas.

So how much does export license cost to U.S. company/citizen?

So if somebody would like to sell something he/she could ask advance for license?

As for one option.

Although we all should be aware of local laws when ordering something. I know that even if someone sells nuclear weapons on internet I am not allowed to import one. :)

And if I would be, I would certainly seek information about customs. :)

Export License cost? Too much unless one does a lot of business!
As I said, I cannot even ship gifts to a friend in an Allied country without problems. Sending ANYTHING overseas is too much trouble.
Do a search on U.S. Customs Exporting License fees.

The only people with money here are the rich or criminals. Our government has ruined everything and everyone has a friend or family member that has lost their job. Even those of us that were once considered financially secure are having serious troubles.
We have no money for Government fees, taxes or even money to start a business.
The America you and the rest of the world once knew and admired no longer exists.
You are in Finland correct? Look to the East at Russia. That is what the U.S.A. has become.

Creating a list here though nice, could get somebody in trouble when they trust it as a source. Things change last minute sometimes so its best to go to the source for things like this. You do not want to be pinned as an illegal arms dealer-aka "terrorist" see what Im saying? We gotta make sure there is sources with the list and a disclaimer or something. I would hate to see something put together to help someone get them in trouble.

The word nuclear tagged this thread already. cya. Do the proper checks, call the proper agencies. Get the legal right information with every individual package you send or receive containing control items. ie drugs weapons hazardous materials.

What about sight adjustment tools and cleaning kits/rods? Would it be unwise to send these items oerseas? Would a permit be necessary?

Back in the '80's when all the wars were going on in Central and South America, a friend worked at a shipping company. He worked at the airport and was the inspector to insure the shipped items were legal. A woman was shipping 1000 Outers rifle cleaning kits. The type they sell at Woolworths and Kmart. They had cleaning rods, brushes, patches, gun oil and solvent. He inspected them and read the labels. Some chemical in the solvent was restricted. He called the woman and asked her if she wanted to cancel the shipment or have him remove the bottles of solvent. She had him remove all the bottles of solvent and ship the rifle cleaning kits to somewhere in Central or South America. She didn't pay extra and he didn't get paid extra. The woman told him she didn't want the solvent back and he could have it. He wasn't really in to firearms and gave away the solvent to his friends.

Wish I had seen this thread - before I posted on the other.

http://www.akfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59371

But great information.

Shipping to any country can have it's problems.

I tryied to shipp a care package to my wife - who was in Austria. WOW Two week delay in customs - $50.oo package sent UPS. UNDIES-EL Pato in cans-Socks-Powdered Vitiamin Drink-Herring Goreing Swizzle sticks.

Depending who was recieving the cleaning kitts in Chile/Guatamalla it could raise a question or two.

What about sight adjustment tools and cleaning kits/rods? Would it be unwise to send these items oerseas? Would a permit be necessary?


Cleaning Kitt to New Zealand - maybe OK

Cleaning kitt to Sudan - ??????

Hey valleyrat. How are you? Good question.

I've sent a couple emails to various entities that should know. One is a lawfirm that specializes in firearm export law.

There is obviously items that can be exported. Otherwise why the $100 limit? And why not just say all parts are banned from export. One example might be a bayonet. Not essential to the operation of the firearm. A buttpad? A cheekrest? We'll see. Obviously items are being exported. Numrich charges a $25 fee for items that aren't banned. So there must be parts that can be exported. As do other LARGE retailers.

I'm going to try to find the time to read through the above laws as well. Seems interesting that exporting any parts essential to the operation of a firearm is banned. Does the same go for import? And if so, does that mean the end of parts kits forever? Seems to me these kits without barrel have to be post that decision. Otherwise why the missing barrel?

Either way this is an interesting discussion.

And if you can't tell the difference between a "discussion" and "fact". I'm not sure anyone could help you. You'd most likely run astray of the law all on your own.

NOTE - This is NOT legal advice. Simply trying to find out what the law is - so as to AVOID doing anything wrong.

And have an interesting conversation. :)

I would like to thank all of you who bothered to reply to this thread.

As a foreigner (finnish) which native language is not english it is sometimes hard, or atleast consuming, to read official pages about current regulations. And this thread provided some links to official resources which are very useful. Something I think I would not have found without this thread.

This thread helped me to open my eyes... (I am very sorry for my bad english (although it "bad english" is good and common language in baltic area :) )).

So thanks for all of you.

I would like to thank all of you who bothered to reply to this thread.

As a foreigner (finnish) which native language is not english it is sometimes hard, or atleast consuming, to read official pages about current regulations. And this thread provided some links to official resources which are very useful. Something I think I would not have found without this thread.

This thread helped me to open my eyes... (I am very sorry for my bad english (although it "bad english" is good and common language in baltic area :) )).

So thanks for all of you.

Your English is excellent!

Though the U.S. and Finland were technically at War in the 1940's be assured we respect you Finns for fighting against the Russians.

Well. During that time there were no options for both of us.

We fought hard and lost some parts of our country but kept our independence. I admire that although there are, if I may say, dark parts in our history especially during wartimes. But if there are some good things in the war there was one. During war every finn stood together, reds and whites, all finns. That was truly a wonder of winter war.

Although I wish cold war would have been different for all of us. It is hard to make statements about cold war because I think I somehow understand both parties.

I believe that there are dark secrets in all of countries but we should accept them because they were done by everyone to protect our owns.

Thank you for your reply

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{lator - wife gave me 4 minutes only}
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