CN Live | Larry Keane: Government Oversight - 5/22/17

Published on May 23, 2017
Duration: 7:16

This video discusses the Export Control Reform Initiative and its impact on the firearms industry. Larry Keane of the NSSF explains how the transfer of export licensing from the State Department to the Commerce Department aims to streamline processes and reduce burdens on businesses. A key point is the proposed move of sporting and commercial firearms licensing to Commerce, which would eliminate the need for gunsmiths to register with the State Department and pay a $2,250 annual fee, even if they are not exporting products.

Quick Summary

The Export Control Reform Initiative aims to move firearms and ammunition export licensing from the State Department to the Commerce Department. This change would eliminate the $2,250 annual registration fee for gunsmiths, who are currently required to pay it even if they don't export products, and streamline the overall process.

Chapters

  1. 00:08Introduction of Larry Keane and NSSF
  2. 00:41Government Export Control Reform Initiative
  3. 01:14Cold War-Era Export System Issues
  4. 01:35Transfer of Products to Commerce Department
  5. 02:00State Department's Role in Military Items
  6. 02:22Firearms Licensing Under State Department
  7. 02:39Obama Administration's Exclusion of Firearms
  8. 03:06Efforts to Move Firearms Licensing
  9. 03:23Congressional Support for Reform
  10. 03:53Undoing Anti-Gun Decision
  11. 04:41History of Export Control Rule Delays
  12. 05:21Impact on Gunsmiths and Fees
  13. 06:00Individual Firearm Modification Issues
  14. 06:27Hope for Reform Completion
  15. 06:51Benefits of Export Control Reform

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Export Control Reform Initiative?

The Export Control Reform Initiative is a multi-year effort to modernize the US export control system. It aims to move licensing for many commercial and dual-use products from the State Department to the Commerce Department, creating a more business-friendly process and focusing State's efforts on critical military items.

Why are firearms and ammunition products still licensed by the State Department?

Firearms and ammunition products were specifically excluded from the transfer to the Commerce Department by the Obama administration. This decision was reportedly influenced by the optics and politics surrounding gun control following the Newtown tragedy, despite policy recommendations to move them.

What is the financial burden on gunsmiths due to current export licensing rules?

Under the current system, gunsmiths must register with the State Department and pay an annual fee of $2,250, even if they are not exporting any products. This is seen as a significant burden, particularly for smaller businesses and hobbyists.

What is the proposed change for firearms export licensing?

The proposed change is to move the licensing of sporting and commercial firearms and ammunition from the State Department to the Commerce Department. This would streamline the process, reduce regulatory burdens, and eliminate the need for gunsmiths to pay the annual State Department registration fee.

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