US gun export rules now officially split between two agencies

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has updated its rules for exporting and temporarily importing firearms. This change formally recognizes that the Departments of Commerce and State now divide these controls.

For years, the rules for exporting guns were confusing, with overlapping authority between different government agencies. This update clarifies which agency handles what, making the process more predictable for manufacturers and exporters. It means companies will know exactly which department to deal with for different types of export licenses.