Silencers Get Easier Export Rules Under New Policy
Published Date: 7/23/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting November 20, 2026, the government is changing the rules for exporting silencers, mufflers, and sound suppressors by moving them from strict military controls to easier commercial export rules. This means fewer hoops for businesses shipping these items overseas. Plus, temporary exports of firearms and related gear get simpler with new license exceptions, saving time and money for exporters.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Silencers moved from ITAR to EAR
Starting November 20, 2026, certain silencers, mufflers, and sound suppressors removed from the U.S. Munitions List will be controlled under the Export Administration Regulations. BIS says this transfer reduces export regulatory burdens and will list these items under new ECCN paragraphs 0A501.f and 0A502.f.
Company firearms allowed as tools of trade
Effective July 23, 2026, License Exception TMP is revised to let company-owned firearms and related items be exported or reexported as tools of trade without a license if conditions are met. The rule limits exports as tools of trade to no more than three firearms and no more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, and applies only to destinations other than Country Group E:1.
New licensing limits for certain suppressors (RS rule)
Exports or reexports of sound suppressors for exclusive use with items in ECCN 0A502.f will require a license to all destinations except NATO member states, Australia, Austria, India, Ireland, Japan, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, South Korea, and Switzerland. The rule adds this RS licensing policy in Sec. 742.6 and the associated license review policy.
Low-value shipments to Canada allowed
Under the revised ECCNs, License Exception Shipments of Limited Value (LVS) will cover 0A501.f and 0A502.f shipments valued up to $500 if the ultimate destination is Canada. This means qualifying low-value exports of these silencers and related items to Canada can use LVS treatment.
Baggage rule allows suppressors as parts
Effective July 23, 2026, License Exception BAG is revised so U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents may export sound suppressors as ‘‘parts,’’ ‘‘components,’’ ‘‘accessories,’’ or ‘‘attachments’’ controlled under the specified ECCNs when taken abroad for personal use. The BAG revision also corrects inclusion of shotgun parts controlled under ECCN 0A502.
Temporary import rules expand to 0x5zz and 600-series
The entry clearance requirements in Sec. 758.10 are revised (effective November 20, 2026) so temporary importers can rely on BIS temporary import procedures for additional 0x5zz ECCNs (including the new 0A501.f/0A502.f sound suppressors) and certain 600-series ECCNs. This avoids the need for a separate ATF permit but requires providing documentation to CBP at temporary import/export.
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Key Dates
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