Anyone have any experience exporting a rifle out of the US by themselves?

mikerock

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I'm looking to export a rifle (non-restricted bolt-action) out of the US that my friend wants to sell me. He's within driving distance but in the US. I know the Canadian aspect of this is pretty simple, show up at the border with my PAL and declare it, pay any duties/taxes and then be on my merry way. What I don't know is what is involved in getting the rifle legally out of the US. Has anyone here done this themselves?
 
You need the ATF export license - it can be difficult but there is a provision for a US citizen to apply on a once off basis (or thereabouts) to export a personal weapon. The alternative is rusty wood or irunguns can do via the FFL network.
 
Check this out https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/de...rm,-gun,-handgun,-rifle,-shotgun,-pistol,-etc.
the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls forms are here for a 1 time export license: http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/licensing/forms.html
The department of commerce requires Electronic Export Information (EEI) submission via Automated Export System (AES) to export a handgun, rifle, parts or ammunition.

I have been involved in export and import and for an individual, and in certain circumstances, it can be done. However, this is not a lightweight process and exporting requires a US citizen to be involved (and filling in a lot of information to the Feds - not everyone is cool with that). One of the problems is the number of agencies that are involved, all of the above agencies and their paperwork is enforced by the CBP at the border. The paperwork is likely to take months (especially for a 1-off) so be prepared for re-sumbmissions of forms during the process.

So..... assess whether you (and particularly your friend) wants to spend hours researching the process with the different agencies and filling in a myriad of forms when for a measly $100 you have it done for you (and you can spend the saved time at the range).

PM me if you have questions but I would suck it up and drop $100 and let the FFL network take care of it.
 
I have done imports a number of times, and the FFL importers certainly work very well.

Irunguns is out of Edmonton, and based out of my one experience, would never use them again. I was importing a Canadian sniper rifle. They ignored my directions that this was a Canadian gun, charged me duty bringing it back into Canada, then told me "too bad, so sad" when I complained.

Prophet River is good, but they are based out of Alberta and you will pay some additional shipping charges to get the gun from there to Vancouver.

Borderview International is your best bet as their office in in Lyndon Washington and is easily driveable from Vancouver. They
have an office in Mission(I think)? so you can pick up your gun there without additional charges.

Cheers, jim
 
You must be a US citizen registered with the ATF to apply for an export license. It isn't worth the time or effort for one rifle.

These guys are right. Show up at the border and declare or use Prophet River. The latter is the safest way to protect all parties including the firearm.
 
You need the ATF export license - it can be difficult but there is a provision for a US citizen to apply on a once off basis (or thereabouts) to export a personal weapon. The alternative is rusty wood or irunguns can do via the FFL network.

We no longer import or export firearms guys. Sorry but the USA FFL and Government fees just are way too high.
Sorry the headache was not worth the meager profit.
 
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