USA: Export of civilian firearms paused for 90 days

The USA is pausing export permits for many firearms for three months. The US Department of Commerce said two days ago (local time) that they have stopped most civilian firearms and ammunition for 90 days for all non-governmental users, citing national security and foreign policy interests. Germany, Switzerland, and Austria are not affected.

According to a brief statement from the Department of Commerce, the 90-day export ban was imposed until an urgent review had taken place to assess the risk of firearms being diverted to facilities or activities that promote regional instability, violate human rights, or support criminal activities. The specific consequences for the market are: the flow of semi-automatic and non-automatic rifles, shotguns, optical scopes, and most other products available in regular gun stores will be restricted.

Not affected: Ukraine, Israel, and Country Group A:1

Export permits for Ukraine and Israel, as well as some other close allies (Country Group A:1), are exempt from the temporary export halt. Overseas customers include dealers and stores that sell firearms. Exporters can continue to submit permit requests during the pause, but they will remain "unprocessed" until the pause is lifted.

In the original document from the Bureau of Industry and Security (available here https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/docum … eview/file), the following is stated:

„Consistent with the above, the Department’s International Trade Administration (ITA), Global Markets and U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service is pausing acceptance of new requests for export assistance (fee or non-fee-based) for firearms and ammunition to non-governmental end users worldwide, apart from those located in Ukraine, Israel, and Country Group A:1. The ITA pause applies to semi-automatic and non-automatic firearms, shotguns, and receivers (frames) and ammunition.„

Here is the translation:
„For this reason, the departments International Trade Administration (ITA), Global Markets, and U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service have paused the acceptance of new requests for (fee-based or non-fee-based) export permits for firearms and ammunition to non-governmental end users worldwide, excluding those in Ukraine, Israel, and Country Group A:1. The ITA pause applies to semi-automatic and non-automatic firearms, shotguns, and receivers (frames) and ammunition.“

In the Country Group A:1 (available here: https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/docum … ups-1/file), the following countries are included:

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and United States.