But couldn't it be shipped saying it was an airsoft toy part as airsoft guns accept some of the exact same parts? They offer airsoft rails and all kinds of parts. How can anyone tell and airsoft part form another part?
If the exporter is caught it's jail time and MASSIVE fines (up to 1 million dollar fines) for ITAR violations. Ask Midway USA why they don't ship to Canada anymore.
Seriously, with how many companies are legally exporting parts from the U.S. it's worthless to discuss smuggling over the border.
Brownells, Rainier Arms, Wolff Gun Springs, Numrich Arms, to name a few.
And it's also against the site rules to discuss smuggling gun parts.
ANY firearm part, be it a 5 dollar screw or spring, if it's designed for a firearm is controlled under ITAR. Most times parts under (now 500 dollars) that are not: Barrels, Receivers/Actions, revolver cylinders, triggers etc... do not require a full export permit, only to be shipped by a licensed exporter.
Many times parts DO come across the border, and do not get caught. But every single time a part DOES get caught and detained by U.S. Customs, it's one step closer to us NOT being able to get gun stuff from the USA anymore.