An odd question regarding exports...

[lima_w]

Are there any restriction on exports regarding edged implements, such as knives, machetes, etc?

I ask, because I'm military stationed overseas, and one of the major retailers who many of us regularly do business with refused to ship a Ka-Bar Kukri machete to me. Though legal to own and use here, they cited "Clear ATF export restrictions." I searched through export regulations and found no such restriction or even mention of anything except alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives, and so I went to this large retailer's competitor and checked my APO box zip code, and they confirmed that they could ship it to me.

My gut feeling is that the first retailer is full of crap and just doesn't want to ship to APO but I wanted to confer with the experts

 

[TexasRifleman]

Probably not that he doesn't want to ship it to you, he's likely just afraid.

Given the myriad of laws and weird twists and turns regarding imports and exports he probably fears some uncovered fine print costing him his business.

I'd just find someone else to buy the product from but I wouldn't be mad at the guy, I'd be mad at the legislators who have allowed such a simple thing to get so complicated.

 

[rodregier]

The ITAR export laws/regulations in the United States has created a lot of fear/complexity for retailers of firearms and related products.

Some have simply given up and won't do exports of anything outside the United States.

The chilling effect is probably most profound with vendors who handle a large range of products, including items that *are* ITAR export controlled.

Cabelas, Sinclair Int'l, Brownells are examples of vendors who know where the boundaries lie and are still willing to export the un-controlled items in their product lines.

When the ITAR rules were promulgated against Canada several years ago, I had a few US retailers that used to export their products to Canada cease all such activity, even for items no-where near the ITAR controlled dividing line.

 

[Carl N. Brown]

It is curious that knives, machetes or axes would fall under ITAR. Sounds like the dread FUD factor has struck: Fear Uncertainty and Doubt caused by the unfortunately real fear that vague weapons "violations" will be over-prosecuted.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITAR
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arms_Export_Control_Act
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Munitions_List

 

[lima_w]

I really appreciate the help guys. I think that you're right that the vender is afraid of the machete falling under ITAR. Oh well, I found another retailer that is willing to ship the item, aaaand at a better price!