It’s Friday and time for our weekly (most of the time) shoot the shit topic. It’s that time of the week when readers can express unsupported opinions, use profanity, insult anyone you wish or change the subject altogether. This week’s topic is ITAR otherwise know as International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
Some background on ITAR…
Section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778), as amended, authorizes the President to control the export and import of defense articles and defense services. The statutory authority of the President to promulgate regulations with respect to exports of defense articles and defense services is delegated to the Secretary of State by Executive Order 13637. These regulations are primarily administered by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Defense Trade Controls, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs.
The items designated by the Secretary of State for purposes of export and temporary import control constitute the U.S. Munitions List. If you are in a business covered by entries in the U.S. Munition List you are then required to obtain licenses, secure authorization and request permissions to export your product.
My concern rests primarily with Category I, II and III of the U.S. Munitions List because it hits domestic firearms manufacturers, manufacturers of accessories, suppressors, optics manufactured to mil-spec and others. Furthermore, you as an individual are prohibited from traveling outside of the country with a legally purchased item that by whim made its way to the U.S. Munitions List. Let me give you an example. If you have a hunting rifle with an optic designed to military specifications, and you travel outside of the country for a hunting trip, you are in violation of ITAR regulations.
ITAR regulations are extreme, to the extent they prevent many of our outstanding established and young companies from competing in the global market place stifling their growth. They are also outside the legislative process so they can be used by administrations hostile to the industry. I can understand export regulations of strategic technologies and their components, but why a pistol grip, magazine, rifle barrel or magnified optic should be restricted is beyond me. Ridiculous!
So we think it’s high time to take a close look at ITAR regulations and bring them back to reality so they properly serve national security interests but not stifle our domestic firearms industry by keeping them from competing on the global market. To that end, we ask our readers to speak with your elected officials and encourage them to advance this cause. We’re blessed to have a White House that understands the challenges of growing a business, adding market share and succeeding in the global economy so let’s get it done! Hit @POTUS with some tweets and ask the White House to take ITAR under review.
If you have questions, suggestions or comments send them our way. We love hearing from you and we thank you for your participation. Have a great weekend, be safe and enjoy some quality time with your buds and family.
FOG HORN 