Importing/Exporting Services – Knight's Defense

Welcome to Knight’s Defense Import/Export Services

At Knight’s Defense, we are committed to offering seamless and professional import and export services for sporting rifles, shotguns, and handguns. As a licensed importer, we navigate the complex regulatory landscape to ensure your firearms are handled with the highest level of care and compliance. Our services cover both domestic and international transactions, providing a comprehensive suite of solutions to meet your needs.

Whether you aim to import firearms into the U.S. or export them to another country, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step. From securing necessary permits and managing customs procedures to coordinating shipments and ensuring adherence to federal regulations, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional service and ensuring a smooth experience.

Please note that we do not handle automatic fire arms and import permit application fees are non-refundable if your application is denied. We look forward to assisting with your firearm import and export needs, offering the expertise and support required for successful transactions.

Responsibility for Legal Compliance

The individual or entity requesting the shipment of firearms is solely responsible for understanding and adhering to the local laws and regulations of both the country of origin and the destination country. While Knight’s Defense will handle the import or export process according to U.S. regulations, we are not liable for ensuring that the shipment complies with the legal requirements and restrictions set by local authorities in either country.

Before starting any transaction, you must thoroughly understand and follow all applicable legal requirements. This includes securing necessary permits, adhering to import and export restrictions, and complying with local firearms regulations. Non-compliance may lead to delays, additional costs, or legal issues.

For guidance on local laws, we strongly recommend consulting with a legal expert or regulatory authority in the relevant country to ensure full compliance.

Export Services
Import Services

Process Overview:

Initial Application: Collect firearm details from you or the foreign seller and submit a U.S. import permit application for approval.
Permit Coordination: Upon approval, coordinate with the foreign exporter to provide the necessary documentation for their export permit.
Shipment & Customs: Once both permits are received, arrange for shipment to the U.S. Our Customs Broker will manage customs clearance, including any associated fees and U.S. Customs Duty.
Engraving: Transfer firearms to our facility for federal engraving (name, city, and state) as required.
Final Invoice & Shipping: Issue a final invoice for import services. After full payment, arrange shipping to your local firearms dealer or directly to you if you have a valid North Carolina Firearms Permit or have completed a NICS background check.

Details Needed for Import Application:

Your name, home address, telephone number, and email
Name and address of the foreign shipper
Name and address of the foreign seller
Firearm details including Manufacturer’s Name, Country of Origin, Model, Serial Number, Gauge or Caliber, Barrel Length, Overall Length, Condition, and Value

Import Fees:

License & Processing: $500 for up to 4 firearms; $50 for each additional firearm
Customs Clearance Fees: Approximately $600

U.S. Customs Duty:

Rifles: 3.1% of declared value
Shotguns: 2.6% of declared value
Rifle Scopes: 13% of declared value
Merchandise Processing Fee: 0.3464% (maximum of $575.35)

Additional Costs:

Import Engraving: $110 for the first firearm; $35 for each additional firearm
Shipping Insurance (Optional): $4.71 per $1,000 value, with a $1,000 deductible
Domestic Shipping Charges: Based on weight and service level

Note: You are responsible for filing and paying any applicable excise tax to the Federal Government. Import engraving is required by federal law. Due to import and export regulations, we may be unable to assist with shipments from certain countries.

The “Individual or Business” selection has been successfully added to the following sections: Foreign Clearing Agent, Foreign Importer, Information, and Transferor.

Fee Structure Overview Importing Firearms:

Administrative Processing Fee:
- Standard Firearms: $150 per firearm
- Specialized or High-Value Firearms: $300 per firearm
Customs Brokerage Fee: $100 per shipment
Shipping and Handling:
- From Country of Origin to U.S. Port: $100 – $200 per firearm
- Domestic Shipping: $50 – $100 per firearm
Storage Fees (if applicable): $25 – $75 per day

Total Import Fee Estimate:

Standard Firearm: $150 (processing) + $100 (brokerage) + $100 (shipping) + $50 (domestic shipping) = $400 – $500
Specialized/High-Value Firearm: $300 (processing) + $100 (brokerage) + $100 – $200 (shipping) + $50 (domestic shipping) = $550 – $650

Knight’s Defense handles the export of sporting rifles, shotguns, and handguns, but we do not manage the export of automatic firearms.

Permanent Exporting Firearms from the USA:

Process Overview:

Permit Collection: Obtain an import permit from the destination country or a letter confirming that an import permit is not required.
Application and Coordination: Request delivery of firearms to our facility, apply for an export permit, and coordinate with the foreign importer for delivery.

Information Needed for Export Permit Application:

U.S. Seller’s name, address, telephone number, and email
U.S. Source’s (shipper) name, address, telephone number, and email
U.S. Carrier’s business name (e.g., UPS, FedEx)
Foreign Clearing Agent’s business name, address, telephone number, and email
Foreign Importer’s business name, address, telephone number, and email
Foreign End User’s name, address, telephone number, and email

Permanent Export Fees:

License & Processing: $500 for up to 4 firearms; additional firearms require a quote
Freight Forwarding: Approximately $500
Shipping Insurance (Optional): $4.71 per $1,000 value, with a $1,000 deductible

Temporary Export Services:

Repairs:
- License & Processing: $500 for up to 4 firearms
- Freight Forwarding: Approximately $800
- Shipping Insurance (Optional): $4.71 per $1,000 value, with a $1,000 deductible
Sport Hunting & Sport Shooting:
- Requires an import permit from the destination country.
- Obtain a U.S. Customs Form 4457 (Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects) for each rifle or shotgun before leaving the U.S. This certificate facilitates re-entry without needing an import permit or paying U.S. Customs duty.

Additional Note: Due to regulations, we may be unable to assist with shipments to certain countries.

Fee Structure Overview

Exporting Firearms:

Administrative Processing Fee:
- Standard Firearms: $150 per firearm
- Specialized or High-Value Firearms: $300 per firearm
Customs Brokerage Fee: $100 per shipment
Shipping and Handling:
- From U.S. Port to Destination Country: $100 – $200 per firearm
- Domestic Shipping: $50 – $100 per firearm
Storage Fees (if applicable): $25 – $75 per day

Total Export Fee Estimate:

Standard Firearm: $150 (processing) + $100 (brokerage) + $100 (international shipping) + $50 (domestic shipping) = $400 – $500
Specialized/High-Value Firearm: $300 (processing) + $100 (brokerage) + $100 – $200 (international shipping) + $50 (domestic shipping) = $550 – $650
The “Individual or Business” selection should be included in both the applicant and shipper/transfer sections. (Note: This may not be feasible due to fundamental system limitations.)

This comprehensive overview outlines the costs and processes associated with importing and exporting firearms through Knight’s Defense. Actual fees may vary based on specific circumstances and any regulatory changes.