Did you know that the United States is the World’s Largest Exporter of Firearms?
The U.S. is the world’s largest arms exporter, accounting for over 40% of global arms trade between 2015 and 2019. In recent years, U.S. commercial exports of nonautomatic and semiautomatic firearms have increased significantly, reaching $1.03 billion between 2021 and 2023—a 7% rise compared to previous years. In 2023 alone, U.S. manufacturers exported over $5 billion worth of firearms and ammunition globally, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. These exports range from hunting rifles and pistols to military-grade weapons, shipped primarily to allied countries like Canada, Germany, South Korea, Australia, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, to name a few.
The Importance of Compliance
Exporting firearms isn’t as simple as packing and shipping. While these exports contribute to global trade, they also come with strict regulations and serious consequences for non-compliance. It’s a heavily regulated process governed by laws such as the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), overseen by the U.S. Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). Additionally, certain commercial firearms are regulated by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
Did You Know?
- Even temporary exports for trade shows or demonstrations require proper licensing.
- Some countries are under arms embargoes, meaning no firearms exports are allowed.
- Personal exports, like carrying a firearm abroad, can also fall under export laws.
Exporters must classify products properly, apply for licenses, conduct end-user screening, and maintain meticulous records.
What are the Consequences?
Failure to comply can have serious consequences—from multimillion-dollar fines to criminal charges and
debarment from future exports.
For example,
– In 2020, a U.S. gun parts manufacturer was fined $3.5 million for unauthorized exports of rifle parts and technical data to multiple countries.
– In 2021, a former U.S. Marine was sentenced to 63 months in prison for illegally exporting firearms and controlled equipment to Haiti.
Even inadvertent violations—like emailing technical drawings to a foreign national—can trigger enforcement actions.
– In 2013, a former Foreign Service Officer who was convicted under the Arms Export Control Act for attempting to ship over 7,000 rounds of ammunition from Alabama to Jordan without a license. His defense argued that he lacked criminal intent, but in 2014 the court found sufficient evidence to convict him.
The bottom line?
Whether you’re a large manufacturer or a small dealer, understanding U.S. firearms export laws is not optional—it’s essential. Compliance not only protects national security but shields businesses from devastating penalties.
Unlike many of our competitors, Orchid has exclusively focused on the firearms industry for over 12 years. Our team is located across the United States and is here to provide manufacturers, distributors and FFLs of all types and sizes with legal assistance (through Orchid Law) and Regulatory expertise, licensing and mock inspections focused on ATF, Import/Export, and State regulations. The firm offers an industry leading software platform that uniquely includes a POS / ERP, A&D/4473, Digital Storage, eCommerce, and 2A Merchant Processing with live, US-based support.
Give us a call, we’re here to help.
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