BIS issues firearms final rule
Date of publication: October 2, 2025.
Overview
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has issued a
Final Rule
(Federal Register Document No. 2025-18992) rescinding most provisions of the Firearms Interim Final Rule (IFR)
published on April 30, 2024. This action follows extensive public feedback and aims to reduce regulatory burdens on U.S. firearms exporters while maintaining national security and foreign policy objectives.Executive summary
- BIS rescinded the April 30, 2024, Firearms IFR in nearly all respects, returning firearms export controls largely to the pre–May 30, 2024, framework.
- New ECCNs added in 2024 are retained: 0A506 (semi-auto rifles), 0A507 (semi-auto pistols), 0A508 (semi-auto shotguns), 0A509 (certain parts/components/devices/accessories/attachments). Descriptions within some entries were simplified; several CC controls were rolled back.
- Commerce Country Chart (Part 738) reverts to pre-IFR settings; a country-chart footnote (10) is reintroduced for Australia and the UK.
- License Exceptions (Part 740): the extra import-certificate precondition for using license exceptions is removed; LVS/BAG destination limits to CARICOM and D:5 is removed; BAG limit of "three firearms total" is retained as a clarification.
- Crime Control policy (Part 742): structure cleaned up and pre-IFR CC policy restored; BIS removed the "36 High-Risk Destinations" list and the presumption-of-denial for non-government end users; OAS policy in §742.17 returns to "generally approve" when supported by FC certificate.
- License validity (Part 750) restored to four years (from one year) for 0x5zz items.
- Congressional notification for certain semiautomatics (Part 743.6) is eliminated.
- Import certificate submission (Part 748.12) returns to pre-IFR limits (generally required only for OAS members) and now allows electronic equivalents.
- AES/EEI (Part 758): the "items-level tag" in the Commodity Description for certain firearms remains mandatory; minor text corrections made.
- Definition of CARICOM is removed (Part 772).
- CCL (Part 774): broad conforming updates across Category 0; CC reasons rolled back in multiple ECCNs; Special Conditions for STA clarified/realigned.
At‑a‑glance matrix
Area | What 2024 IFR did | Final rule (Sep 30, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
Part 738 – Commerce Country Chart | Broad CC2 worldwide | Reverts to pre‑IFR; adds footnote 10 for Australia/UK (license still required for specified 0x5zz) |
Part 740 – License Exceptions | Added import‑certificate precondition to use LEs; limited LVS/BAG to exclude CARICOM & D:5; BAG "3 firearms" clarified | Removes §740.2(a)(24); restores LVS/BAG destination eligibility; keeps BAG cap of 3 firearms |
Part 742 – Crime Control policy | Expanded CC and added High‑Risk Destinations with presumption of denial; OAS case‑by‑case | Removes Supplement No. 3 and presumption; restores pre‑IFR CC structure; OAS back to "generally approve" with FC |
ECCNs 0A506/07/08/09 | Created with detailed feature lists; broad CC added | ECCNs retained; simplified paragraphs; CC removed on 0A506/07; 0A508 CC tiers restored; 0A509 reasons split; LVS added |
AES/EEI §758.1 | Mandated item‑paragraph tags; included 0A509 | Tags remain mandatory for 0A501.a/.b, 0A506, 0A507, and shotguns <18" under 0A502/0A508; 0A509 tagging removed |
License validity §750.7 | Cut general validity to 1 year | Restores 4‑year general validity |
Import certs §748.12 | Required worldwide for 0x5zz; strict format | Back to OAS‑only submission; accept official electronic equivalents; "as applicable" content |
Congressional notification §743.6 | Required for certain semiautos | Eliminated |
CARICOM definition §772.1 | Added | Removed |
STA (throughout CCL) | Tightened/shifted in IFR | Clarified "Special Conditions for STA" inside ECCNs (notably A:5/A:6 limits) |
What this means for exporters
- Reduced compliance burden: Fewer documentation requirements and broader license exception eligibility.
- Streamlined licensing: Return to pre-IFR policies for license review and validity.
- Improved clarity: ECCN descriptions and AES reporting requirements are simplified.
Conclusion
The BIS final rule rescinding most elements of the 2024 Firearms IFR while retaining the new ECCNs underscores the U.S. commitment to targeted, risk‑based export controls under the EAR, balancing national security and foreign policy interests with reduced regulatory burden for lawful commerce.
Given the constantly shifting trade regulation landscape, companies should promptly refresh ECCN classifications (especially 0A506–0A509), update licensing logic for Parts 738, 740, and 742 changes, and ensure AES description tagging remains in place where required. Revisit internal SOPs to reflect restored four‑year license validity, removal of the global import‑certificate precondition for license exceptions, reinstated OAS policy, and the Country Chart footnote for Australia and the UK.
These EAR changes have been updated in ONESOURCE Global Trade Content.
For more information on how ONESOURCE Global Trade solutions can assist you with classification updates, licensing workflows, and export filings, please contact your Account Manager or Customer Success Manager.