US halts exports of most civilian firearms for 90 days (updated)

Smith & Wesson Brands

28/10/2023 01:23

(Adds quote from export control lawyer; company names)
       WASHINGTON, Oct 27 (Reuters) - The U.S. has stopped
issuing export licenses for most civilian firearms and
ammunition for 90 days for all non-governmental users, the
Commerce Department said on Friday, citing national security and
foreign policy interests.
    The Commerce Department did not provide further details for
the pause, which also includes shotguns and optical sights, but
said an urgent review will assess the "risk of firearms being
diverted to entities or activities that promote regional
instability, violate human rights, or fuel criminal activities."
    The Commerce Department declined to comment beyond the
posting on its website.
    The halt covers most of the guns and ammunition that could
be purchased in a U.S. gun store, said Johanna Reeves, a lawyer
who specializes in export controls and firearms with the law
firm Reeves & Dola in Washington.
    Reeves said she had not seen the Commerce Department take
such a sweeping action like this before. "For sure they have
individual country policies – but nothing like this," she said. 
   
    Export licences for Ukraine and Israel, as well as some
other close allies, will be exempted from the temporary halt in
exports.
    U.S. companies that sell firearms, including Sturm Ruger &
Co.  RGR.N , Smith & Wesson Brands  SWBI.O  and Vista Outdoor
 VSTO.N , could be impacted by the export ban.
    Overseas customers include distributors and stores that sell
firearms.
    Exporters can continue to submit license requests during the
pause, but they will be "held without action" until the pause is
lifted.
    The pause does not affect previously issued export licenses,
Commerce said.
    For shipments to government clients, exporters must name
specific end users, while applications with unnamed government,
military, and police users will be "returned without action." 

 (Reporting by Chris Sanders and Karen Freifeld; Editing by
Sandra Maler)
 ((Chris.Sanders@thomsonreuters.com; +1 202-558-8254; Reuters
Messaging: chris.sanders.reuters.com@reuters.net))