CAUTION - THE UNLICENSED EXPORT OF "TECHNICAL DATA" ON FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION IS ILLEGAL.
Exhibitors of firearm and ammunition products should be aware that under federal law -- the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) -- it is unlawful and illegal to "export" without a U.S. State Department-issued license any "defense article" on the U.S. Munitions List (USML), which includes firearms and ammunition products (except non-combat shotguns and shot shells). See e.g. ITAR Section 121.1 Categories I to III. The unlicensed "export" of "technical data" for firearms and ammunition products is also unlawful and illegal. An unlicensed "export" can occur within the United States if "technical data" is disclosed (including orally or visually) or transferred to a "foreign person" (meaning any natural person not a lawful permanent resident of the United States, i.e. "green card" holder, persons granted asylum in the United States, any foreign corporation, business association, partnership, trust, society, or any other entity or group that is not incorporated or organized to do business in the United States, any foreign government or agency or subdivision thereof). Please be advised that foreign persons are present at the SHOT Show both as exhibitors and attendees.
"Technical data" is defined as information required for the design, development, production, manufacture, assembly, operation, repair, testing, maintenance or modification of firearms and ammunition products, and includes information in the form of blueprints, drawings, photographs, plans, instructions or documentation. See ITAR Section 120.10. Excluded from the definition is information concerning general scientific, mathematical or engineering principles commonly taught in schools, or information in the "public domain," which is itself a defined term narrowly interpreted by the State Department. Importantly, for purposes of the SHOT Show, basic marketing information on function or purpose or general product descriptions are not considered "technical data."
The civil and criminal penalties for violations of the AECA and ITAR are substantial. You may wish to review your marketing and promotional materials you plan to use at the SHOT Show to be sure that it does not contain "technical data" that might be unlawfully and illegally disclosed or transferred (exported) to a foreign person. If you have any questions you should consult with an attorney.
The other products on display at the SHOT Show, particularly in the law enforcement section, might be "defense articles" listed in the USML. Exhibitors are encouraged to review the USML to determine whether the AECA and ITAR apply to their products. Neither the National Shooting Sports Foundation, nor Reed Exhibitions, a division of Reed Elsevier, is responsible for ensuring compliance with the AECA or ITAR, which is the sole responsibility of the exhibitor and attendees.