Importing/Exporting Services
Please note we only engage in the import of sporting rifles, handguns and shotguns, we do not handle the import of handguns or automatic firearms.
To initiate the import process we will gather specific information on the firearms from yourself or the foreign seller. With this information, we will submit the import permit application to our Federal Government for review. Upon approval, we will work directly with the foreign exporter providing them with all import documentation they may need in order to obtain an export permit. After the import permit and export permit are validated, the foreign exporter can organize shipment to the US. Our Customs Broker will clear the shipment with US Customs and post any fees associated with the import including US Customs Duty. The firearms will then be transferred to our facilities where we will stamp the barrels with our name, city and state. This stamp is a Federal requirement that must be placed conspicuously on each firearm imported. Upon completion of our import stamp, we will provide you with the final invoice for our import service. When we receive payment in full, we will arrange for your firearms to be shipped to your local firearms dealer so that you can take final possession. If you possess a North Carolina Firearms ID card you can take possession directly from Knight’s Defense.
The details needed to submit an import application are:
- Your name, address, telephone & e-mail
- Name and address of the foreign shipper
- Name and address of the foreign seller
- The following information on each firearm:
- Make
- Model
- Manufacturer, model, power, value & serial number of scope, if appropriate
- Serial Number
- Gauge or Caliber
- Barrel Length
- Overall Length
- New or Used condition
- Value of each firearm
| Import Fees – These fees do not include any costs associated with the export of the firearm out of the origin country. | Pricing |
| License & Processing – Up to 4 Firearms ($75 each additional firearm) $400.00 | $400 |
| Customs Clearance Fees – Approximate $700.00 | $700 |
| United States Customs Duty | |
| Rifles – of the declared value 2.5% | 3.1% |
| Shotguns – of the declared value 2.0% | 2.6% |
| Rifle Scopes – of the declared value 10% | 13% |
| Import Engraving – Per Barrel* $100.00 | $100 |
| Shipping Insurance – Optional | $4.71/$1,000 with a $1,000 deductible |
| Domestic shipping charges to your local firearms dealer: To Be Determined | To be Determined |
| You as the purchaser are responsible for filing and paying any applicable excise tax to the Federal Government* | |
Import engraving Federal requirements for licensed Importers – 18 U.S.C. § 923(i) and 27 CFR § 478.92 26 U.S.C. § 5842 and 27 CFR § 479.102
Name of Importer Must be conspicuously engraved, cast or stamped (impressed) on the firearm frame, receiver, barrel or slide • Firearms Verification – Gun Control Act Definitions 2 For firearms imported after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting or stamping (impressing) of the importer’s name must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch
City & State of the Importer Must be conspicuously engraved, cast or stamped (impressed) on the firearm frame, receiver, barrel or slide. For firearms imported after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting or stamping (impressing) of the importer’s city and state must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch
NOTE: The importer must ensure that these marks of identification appear on each firearm. If the manufacturer did not mark them, the importer must place the required markings on the firearm within 15 days after their release from Customs and Border Protection custody.
*Excise tax information: All foreign made firearms are subject to Federal Excise Tax (FET) upon importation. Since Knight’s Defense acts solely as the importer of record, we are not responsible for paying FET on your imported firearm. You must file and pay the tax with the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Due to import and export regulations of some countries we may be unable to assist you with your shipment.
In addition to the firearm’s details, we will need the following information to submit the export permit application form for approval:
- U.S. Seller’s name, address, telephone number and email
- U.S. Source’s (the person/entity shipping to Knight’s Defense) name, address, telephone number and email
- U.S. Carrier’s business name (the courier company that will be used to ship to Knight’s Defense, UPS, FedEx, etc.)
- Foreign Clearing Agent’s business name, address, telephone number and email
- Foreign Importer’s business name, address, telephone number and email
- Foreign Seller’s name, address, telephone number and email
***Full payment of all export fees is required prior to any firearm being exported. License fees are non-refundable to customers in the event of a denied application or unused permit***