Commerce Dept. BIS Export Rule Targets Competitive Marksmen and Hunters Going AbroadMark Oliva, based on NSSF report Hunters and competitive shooters who are considering their next overseas adventure should be aware that the new rule by the Biden administration targeting firearm exports will also target their own firearms. The Bureau of Industry and Security of the Commerce Department published an Interim Final Rule which permanently freezes firearm and ammunition exports. In the fine print, there are new restrictions on hunters who travel overseas. The dream of hunting on the African plains, Scottish Highlands, or New Zealand Mountains will come with more challenges that just arranging travel and passports. There’s also a new maze in legal paperwork. To export rifles to dozens of countries, you will need a personal export license
Hunters who plan to travel to countries in Country Group D5 will need an export license for personal firearms. These D:5 countries include Afghanistan, Belarus, Burma (Birma), Cambodia, China, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Cuba, Cyprus, Eritrea and Haiti. They also include Iran, Iraq, North Korea. Lebanon, Libya, Nicaragua. Russia. Somalia. South Sudan. Sudan. Syria. Venezuela. The Caribbean countries will require an export licence for personal firearms. This rule will change license policy for 36 countries that are considered “high-risk” and BIS revokes any licenses currently held by exporters. There are many new restrictions. For example, licenses that used to be valid for four years will now only be valid for one year. CLICK HERE to view the full NSSF report with more information on specific foreign destinations.
Photo courtesy Kirabo Safaris, South Africa
