US State and Commerce Departments Announce Changes in Suppressor Regulations

[jpr9954]

The US Department of State is moving most suppressors and silencers from the US Munitions List where they come under ITAR regulations. The only ones remaining will be those intended for full-auto military use.

https://www.federalregister.gov/doc...gulations-usml-category-i-firearm-suppressors

The US Commerce Department will now be taking over regulation of exports, imports, and reimports of suppressors effective Nov. 20. 2026.

https://www.federalregister.gov/doc...lers-and-sound-suppressors-and-other-firearms

As I read the Commerce Department's rule, you will be able to take your own suppressor overseas on a hunt and return with it without having to obtain a license.

License Exception BAG, § 740.14, allows United States citizens and permanent resident aliens leaving the United States temporarily to take firearms for personal use while abroad. Within this provision, “parts,” “components,” “accessories,” or “attachments” controlled under ECCN 0A501 are permitted to be exported under paragraph 740.14(e)(3). Sound suppressors added to the CCL by this IFR are eligible for License Exception BAG as a “part,” “component,” “accessory” or “attachment” for a firearm controlled under their specified ECCN.

 

[Cooposo]

The US Department of State is moving most suppressors and silencers from the US Munitions List where they come under ITAR regulations. The only ones remaining will be those intended for full-auto military use.

https://www.federalregister.gov/doc...gulations-usml-category-i-firearm-suppressors

The US Commerce Department will now be taking over regulation of exports, imports, and reimports of suppressors effective Nov. 20. 2026.

https://www.federalregister.gov/doc...lers-and-sound-suppressors-and-other-firearms

As I read the Commerce Department's rule, you will be able to take your own suppressor overseas on a hunt and return with it without having to obtain a license.

License Exception BAG, § 740.14, allows United States citizens and permanent resident aliens leaving the United States temporarily to take firearms for personal use while abroad. Within this provision, “parts,” “components,” “accessories,” or “attachments” controlled under ECCN 0A501 are permitted to be exported under paragraph 740.14(e)(3). Sound suppressors added to the CCL by this IFR are eligible for License Exception BAG as a “part,” “component,” “accessory” or “attachment” for a firearm controlled under their specified ECCN.

Amazing! Fantastic news!

 

[Andrew Short]

This is interesting!

 

[Hooknbullet2]

That is awesome news.

 

[Datchew]

Hallelujah

 

[DPHunter4570]

I can't wait to move out of Illinois. Maybe one day soon ill get to own one of these magical devices.

 

[bakerb]

I can't wait to move out of Illinois. Maybe one day soon ill get to own one of these magical devices.

You’ll never look back. I don’t know how I hunted 30 years without one. I’ve got one on a short barreled AR that I thermal hunt coyotes with. It’s so enjoyable to shoot that you’ll run out of ammo in no time.

 

[DPHunter4570]

You’ll never look back. I don’t know how I hunted 30 years without one. I’ve got one on a short barreled AR that I thermal hunt coyotes with. It’s so enjoyable to shoot that you’ll run out of ammo in no time.

I have no doubt. Should be getting out of here within the next year. I'm done with this place.

 

[farmer_john]

So how will this change the purchasing process?

 

[jpr9954]

So how will this change the purchasing process?

It won't. This only impacts the export and import of suppressors along with the ability of individual hunters to take their suppressors to hunt overseas and return with them without a special license.

What would change the purchasing process would be for the Trump Administration to throw in the towel on any or all of the three lawsuits challenging the NFA as it applies to suppressors. Currently, they are holding that even without a tax (which was the whole rationale for the legitimacy of the NFA) that suppressors still should be registered and regulated like machine guns. From my understanding, the DOJ attorney filing the briefs is a holdover from the Biden Administration.

 

[Cooposo]

I can't wait to move out of Illinois. Maybe one day soon I’ll get to own one of these magical devices.

The only disadvantage so far- we put one on my 30-06 and all the sudden it became my wife’s 30-06…

 

[Parkerpusher]

I didn’t realize I couldn’t take a rifle with a suppressor out and back in again. I had planned to in September.

 

[DPHunter4570]

The only disadvantage so far- we put one on my 30-06 and all the sudden it became my wife’s 30-06…

Ha! Funny how that happens.

 

[MooseHunter]

Unintended Consequences!

 

[MooseHunter]

I think it is great that government regulation is rolled back and human rights prevail. Especially hunters! I support this politically as a citizen of this great country, as a hunter, and gun owner.
Full disclosure: Silencers make perfect sense for multiple reasons. I just don't want one. But I am glad it is easier to get and use now if I ever do. I support those that do!

 

[mdwest]

Considering they started formal import/export reform during Obama’s first term.. literally 18 years ago.. and committed to it being finalized within 4 years…. It’s about damn time lol… but… who really expects the federal government to do anything efficiently, effectively, or on time lol…

 

[mdwest]

The only disadvantage so far- we put one on my 30-06 and all the sudden it became my wife’s 30-06…

Yep… this is how I ended up with 2x cans for our 308’s… lol…

 

['68boy]

I just returned from 3rd safari -- 1st in Namibia, 2nd and 3rd SA. Took suppressor no problem. I did list it on 4457 though some AH members say not necessary. I asked CBP and TSA agents and they recommended listing it along with rifles and scopes.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

I didn’t realize I couldn’t take a rifle with a suppressor out and back in again. I had planned to in September.

just put it on your 4457 form and never look back

 

[Parkerpusher]

just put it on your 4457 form and never look back

That’s the plan!