Brady Welcomes New U.S. Department of Commerce Firearms Export Rule

The Newly Published Rule Aims To Prevent American Firearms From Landing In The Hands Of Terrorists, Drug Cartels, Gun Traffickers, Rogue Regimes, And Other Criminals Who Pose A Threat To Human Rights And U.S. National Security Interests.

WASHINGTON, April 30, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has released an interim final rule amending the department’s current licensing policies for exports of firearms, ammunition, and related components under its jurisdiction. The Biden administration initiated the change to combat drug and firearm trafficking, transnational criminal and terrorist organizations, as well as political instability that undermines human rights and U.S. national security interests. Brady, the nation’s oldest gun violence prevention organization, has been crucial in advocating for policy changes to prevent the diversion of exported firearms to dangerous actors.

Kris Brown, President of Brady, said:

“We all have a role to play in ending gun violence at home and abroad, and this rule change illustrates how all agencies can step up to be a part of the solution. By reducing the risk of legally exported firearms falling into the wrong hands, we’re making our country safer, protecting innocent lives from political persecution and human rights abuses, and preventing more violence from seeping into our nation.

“The new licensing requirements associated with the rule will help ensure the gun industry is contracting responsibly with customers abroad. We look forward to seeing future work done to ensure that domestic gun sales do not contribute to gun violence so we can end the uniquely American gun violence epidemic once and for all.”