Recently, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) published the latest revisions to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS). Included in these revisions were changes to Schedule B commodity numbers within Chapter 93, Arms and Ammunition; Parts and Accessories Thereof, notably updating listings for the first time since 2012 and adding new codes for “sound suppressors, silencers, mufflers and similar devices” of “shotguns or rifles” and “of other military weapons.”

Previously restricting sound suppressor exports to government and military only, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) rescinded its internal policy in 2020, allowing licensed U.S. manufacturers and exporters to sell suppressors to commercial markets overseas. In the same year, certain firearms, ammunition, components and accessories were transferred from under DOS/International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) control to Department of Commerce/Export Administration Regulations (EAR) as a result of Export Control Reform initiatives. However, suppressors remain regulated by the ITAR.

According to ATF manufacturing and commerce reports, more than 530,000 firearms were exported in 2020 with more than 400,000 NFA firearms, including silencers, exported in 2019 – the most recent totals available.

Changes made to Schedule B Chapter 93 listings are listed below:

Obsolete Numbers:

• 9305.20.9000 – Parts and accessories of shotguns or rifles of heading 9303 except shotgun barrels
• 9305.91.3030 – Parts and accessories of military weapons of heading 9301, NESOI

New Numbers:

• 9305.20.9100 – Sound suppressors, silencers, mufflers and similar devices of shotguns or rifles of heading 9303
• 9305.20.9500 – Parts and accessories of shotguns or rifles of heading 9303, NESOI
• 9305.91.3020 – Sound suppressors, silencers, mufflers and similar devices of other military weapons of heading 9301, NESOI
• 9305.91.3040 – Parts and accessories of other military weapons of heading 9301, NESOI

Effective July 1, 2021, the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE)/Automated Export System (AES) will accept the obsolete numbers for 30 days.

Get expert help exporting firearms, firearm parts, silencers and accessories with Orchid eXport™ services. Contact our firearms export specialists for how to obtain proper licensing and navigate ITAR/EAR regulations.