The Biden administration is gearing up to announce stringent measures aimed at restricting firearm exports, with a particular focus on curbing the diversion of guns to criminal entities, gangs, and other nefarious groups. A senior official from the Commerce Department disclosed this development late on Thursday.
The Commerce Department had earlier instituted a temporary halt on most firearm exports on October 27 to evaluate the potential risk of these weapons falling into the hands of entities promoting regional instability, violating human rights, or fueling criminal activities.
Scheduled to be unveiled on Friday, the new restrictions are slated to come into effect from May 30 onwards, marking a concerted effort by the department to mitigate the risk of exported firearms being misused to the detriment of U.S. national security.
According to the official, these measures are anticipated to lead to approximately a 7% decrease, equivalent to $40 million, in the average annual U.S. firearm exports totaling $600 million.
Under the forthcoming interim final rule, exports to non-governmental users in 36 countries, identified by the State Department as high-risk for diversions or misuse, will face stringent restrictions. Additionally, certain export licenses will be revoked, and the duration of others will be reduced from four years to one year.
Emphasizing increased scrutiny at a granular level, the official highlighted the inclusion of former Soviet Republics among the 36 countries under heightened surveillance.
The temporary pause on export licenses for firearms and ammunition sales, initiated on October 27, included exemptions for countries like Ukraine and Israel, as well as other close allies. However, concerns were raised by 46 Republican senators and House Republicans in November regarding the potential ramifications of the pause on U.S. commercial interests, national security, and foreign policy.