Firearm Exports

***Due to high volumes of Export/Imports at this time, respond times are delayed.  Emails are responded to in the order they are received and phone calls are limited to current customers.  Thank you and we appreciate your patience!***

For Firearms Shipped from the USA to Foreign Countries

Thank you for choosing Simpson Ltd as your firearms exporter. To help this process go as smooth as possible, here are some general guidelines. To apply for your license, we are required to submit the following information:

1. Purchase Order - This document must be from the foreign end user, requesting these items be shipped to them. We need to have this in English, either typed or handwritten (if legible). This can be mailed or emailed to us.

2. Import Authorization - This document is either an original permit or certificate issued by the foreign government, authorizing the import of the items specified in the purchase order. It usually contains an official signature, government seal and validity period or expiration date. Typically a firearms dealers, business license or authorization to own or carry a firearm is NOT acceptable. Check with your local laws to determine what your government requires. We would like an original, if possible. If not, a certified copy can be used. We must receive the original or certified copy via mail unless it’s an original PDF. 

3. Translation - If the permit is not in English, we will need an English translation also. The translation can be emailed to us. We have had several licenses rejected because of a lack of an English translation. If you are in an Organization of American States country, an International Import Certificate (IIC) is required. We must receive the original or certified copy via mail or email.

Important information we want to make certain you are aware of:

  • All firearms, most firearm parts, magazines, and components require a US EXPORT permit. We can ship some minor components to some countries without a permit if the shipment value is less than $500.
  • Anything attached to and/or part of a firearm requires a US export permit, including riflescopes.
  • Generally, almost any firearm commercially available in the US can be exported.
  • The biggest cost-variable is SHIPPING.
    • UPS, FedEx and DHL will not accept firearms for international shipments. Not even antiques.
    • Only a few countries permit firearms to be shipped via postal mail including antiques.
    • Most firearms must be shipped via air freight.
    • Some airlines will not accept firearms for carriage.
    • Shipping during the holiday season is more expensive than shipping during off-peak travel seasons.
  • Dimensions, weight and destination determine shipping costs, not the number of firearms. Often there is not much cost difference in exporting one (1) firearm to five (5) firearms, or from six (6) to 12 firearms – the cost equation is driven by dimensions, weight, destination, and value.
  • Due to costs and current restrictions, we no longer export ammunition in any quantity.

 After we receive these documents, we will apply for your license. An approval can take 2-8 weeks to get back from the U.S. Commerce Department, sometimes longer. The clearer and more complete the supporting documentation is, the quicker they seem to process the application. We cannot guarantee approval for every firearm you want. There are some guns that cannot be exported and some guns that other countries will not allow to be imported. The U.S. Commerce Department is constantly changing the list of "friendly" countries where we can ship guns, which can affect approval. We will ship the guns after the export license is received and a valid import authorization is here.

 When your guns are shipped to us from the seller, there MUST be an invoice or packing list on the OUTSIDE of the parcel with the contact information for the seller (including a copy of their FFL, if applicable), the contact information for the buyer, firearm manufacturer, type, model, caliber, serial number & value listed. If this information is missing, there will be a $50 charge (to be billed to the buyer) to inspect the parcel. If we cannot readily identify the items, they will put in the unidentified firearms pile. Also, have them shipped in sturdy containers that can be opened by us and resealed. If we need to repack them, there will be additional charges.

What is it going to cost?

    Our fee for processing your export license is $200 for one or two firearms plus $75.00 for each additional firearm OR 2% of the value of the shipment, whichever is greater. This fee needs to be received before we can submit your application. All other customs brokers’ fees and shipping fees are to be paid before the guns are shipped to you. For items at our facility more than 6 months, there will be a charge of $10 per item per month or fraction of a month for storage. If we have to re-pack your shipment into a larger box or crate, there will be additional charges. We accept cash, wire transfer (+$30), Visa, MasterCard or American Express (there is a 3% surcharge for credit cards). For items purchased from Simpson Ltd, the fee to obtain an export fee is $200 for up to 4 guns and $50 for each additional gun. Our fees for antique only shipments is $150 for the first item and $50 for each additional item.

    There are additional fees that we have little control over. They include all shipping costs from here to the foreign end-user, brokers’ fees, storage fees, insurance, duty, etc. These fees must be collected before shipment. They can range from $350 to $900+. We can get an estimate of these costs for you once we know what all the variables. You will be liable for these fees, even if there is an error made by our agents or customs personnel. We will be responsible to deliver your items to a carrier for delivery to you, but in no case are we responsible for damage incurred in transit or lost, misdirected or customs seized shipments. If your foreign postal system handles firearms, the shipping costs will probably be lower. Check with your local service first, and request to have your firearms shipped Air Parcel Post.

 

Antique Only Exports

Antiques in the US are pre-1899

Thank you for choosing Simpson Ltd as your firearms exporter. To help this process go as smooth as possible, here are some general guidelines, requirements, and costs.

Purchase Order - This document must be from the foreign end user, requesting these items be shipped to them. We need to have this in English, either typed or handwritten (if legible). We can provide you the template and this can be mailed or emailed to us. We will also need a copy of your import permit if required by your country.

Important information we want to make certain you are aware of:

  • The biggest cost-variable is SHIPPING.
    • FedEx and DHL will not accept firearms for international shipments, not even antiques.
    • Only a few countries will allow antique firearms to be shipped via UPS International.  There are limits to parcel size and insurance coverage.  The only other option is via air freight.
  • Dimensions, weight, destination and value determine shipping costs, not the number of firearms. Often there is not much cost difference in exporting one (1) firearm to five (5) firearms, or from six (6) to 12 firearms.
  • Due to costs and current restrictions, we no longer export ammunition in any quantity.

What is it going to cost?

Our fees for antique only shipments is $150 for the first item and $50 for each additional item plus shipping costs. We can get an estimate of these costs for you once we know all the variables. Air freight shipments start around $500+. These fees must be collected before shipment. 

      Thank you for letting us serve as your U.S. firearms exporter. We will try our best to make this sometimes difficult process as smooth as possible.

For more information, contact Nica directly using the form below: