The National Shooting Sports Foundation has expressed delight at the State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls decision to rescind a 2002 policy that blocked export of firearm suppressors (aka “silencers”) to overseas markets.
In a statement, NSSF noted that it has “championed the effort to remove the policy which has only harmed U.S.-based suppressor manufacturers.”
“This is a commonsense decision to allow U.S. manufacturers to compete in overseas markets where suppressors are not only legal, but are often required for recreational shooting and hunting,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “This is another win for the firearm and suppressor manufacturers by the Trump Administration. Earlier this year, the Trump Administration finalized the U.S. Munitions List to Commerce Control List Transition, streamlining the export process for firearms. That was an export reform years in the making and only held up for domestic political reasons. U.S. manufacturers, domestic production and U.S. workers will all benefit from this practical decision.”
The DDTC will handle suppressor exports in a manner consistent with other USML-controlled technologies, NSSF reported. Consistent with current licensing practices, all licenses will be reviewed and adjudicated on a case-by-case basis, and any pre-license checks or post shipment verifications will be conducted as deemed necessary and appropriate based on the totality of the circumstances of the transaction. Standard staffing protocols within the Department and interagency will be applied as required.
