Proposed export reform will boost international gun sales, industry expects

By Christen Smith

New export rules could open the door for smaller businesses hoping to sell guns overseas. (Photo: Wall Street Journal)
Firearm industry experts believe the proposed export reform will boost international gun sales.
Orchid Advisors works with gun retailers, manufacturers and wholesalers to ensure legal compliance. The group said this week the suggested amendments to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) will allow small business owners to compete overseas.
“If the dream of retail exporters of firearms, components or accessories is for international transactions to be no more complicated than domestic sales, ECR will put that dream almost within reach for sellers who implement the right systems,” said Jon Rydberg, founder and CEO of Orchid Advisors, in a blog post on Monday.
The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls unveiled the long-awaited ITAR changes last month, shifting oversight of commercial arms sales to the Commerce Department and its Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
The rule change would give American manufacturers more leeway to sell guns internationally. Lawrence Keane, senior vice president for the National Shooting Sports Foundation, said in September relaxed restrictions would boost annual gun sales by as much as 20 percent.
“One of the guideposts we used in writing the proposed policy change was to look at what’s commercially

Source: Guns.com