U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) and U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) led a bicameral call on Tuesday for the Obama administration to reverse guidance on gunsmithing regulations handed down in July.
Under the International Trade in Arms Regulations (ITAR), gunsmithing was declared “manufacturing,” subjecting gunsmiths to registration fees amounting to $2,250.
In a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry, Daines and Scalise wrote that the guidance would negatively harm small businesses and law-abiding gun owners.
“The vast majority of our constituents engaged in gunsmithing make little to no income from their activities and often do it as a hobby or side business,” the letter states. “They most certainly do not export firearms. They also do not manufacture firearms in any widely understood sense of the term. Therefore, it makes no sense for them to be required to pay $2,250 and register under AECA and ITAR.”
The letter, signed by 23 U.S. senators and 116 U.S. representatives, adds that ITAR registration requirements should immediately be rescinded.
“As conveyed by the guidance from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), virtually any activity that involves modifications to an existing firearm to improve its accuracy or operation, or to change its caliber or round capacity would be treated by DDTC as controlled ‘manufacturing,’ of the firearm,” the letter states. “While DDTC insists this is merely the “’ordinary, contemporary, common meaning of ‘manufacturing,’” it is anything but. Rather, DDTC’s position is similar to claiming an auto mechanic who fixes or performs custom work on cars is a car manufacturer.”