Commerce Department Announces New Restrictions on U.S. Firearms Exports

The new rules aim to curb the diversion of guns to criminal groups and enhance national security.

The Commerce Department will implement stricter export controls and tougher review standards for U.S. firearms starting May 30.
Export licenses will now be valid for only one year, down from four, to prevent guns from reaching high-risk countries.
Approximately $40 million of the $600 million annual international gun sales by U.S. manufacturers will be affected.
The list of 36 high-risk countries includes those with histories of gun violence and human rights abuses.
Gun rights advocates criticize the new regulations as detrimental to the U.S. firearms industry and jobs.