Skip to main content

U.S. Customs Seizes Chinese Gun Parts

It should be interesting to see if this latest act is indicative of larger, sweeping restrictions on Chinese imports.

U.S. Customs Seizes Chinese Gun Parts
Photo Source: CBP.gov

Just a couple of decades ago, Chinese arms maker Norinco used to import tens of thousands of AKs, shotguns and handguns into the United States.

On August 22, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in conjunction with the BATFE, seized 52,601 firearms parts in violation of the Chinese Arms Embargo in Los Angeles yesterday.

Among these items were optics, stocks, buffer kits, grips, and muzzle devices. Arriving in three separate shipments, the contraband components had a combined domestic value of $378,225.00. The BATFE confirmed to CBP officers that the parts were both in violation of ITAR and the Export Control Act.

While most gun-lovers think of Chinese guns like the Poly-Tech AKMs and the Norinco MAK-90 rifle series, the CBP confiscation consisted of accessories - the majority of which meant for the AR-15.


Additionally, none of the items in question are de facto firearms in the eyes of the BATFE, and thus shouldn’t be affected by sporting clause import restrictions. But, given that most of the components shown on the CBP website appear to be for an AR-15, the BATFE may have classified them as military equipment and used the 1989 Chinese Arms Embargo as justification for their confiscation.

Though, anyone who has spent any time shopping for parts online, can attest that Chinese gun parts are easily found online, and legal to own. So, it should be interesting to see if this latest act is indicative of larger, sweeping restrictions on Chinese imports.

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

James Tarr gets to talk to Steve Wilson of Rock River Arms about their RBG.
Gear

The Latest from Black Hills Ammunition

James Tarr gets to talk to Steve Wilson of Rock River Arms about their RBG.
Gear

Headrest Safe – a new way to secure your firearm.

James Tarr gets to talk to Steve Wilson of Rock River Arms about their RBG.
Guns

Having Fun with the HK MP7 PDW

James Tarr gets to talk to Steve Wilson of Rock River Arms about their RBG.
Guns

SIG Sauer MPX

James Tarr gets to talk to Steve Wilson of Rock River Arms about their RBG.
Guns

Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro CCW Pistol Review

James Tarr gets to talk to Steve Wilson of Rock River Arms about their RBG.
Learn

The Famous Guns of Kelly's Heroes

James Tarr gets to talk to Steve Wilson of Rock River Arms about their RBG.
Guns

Radom Pistol

James Tarr gets to talk to Steve Wilson of Rock River Arms about their RBG.
Gear

Winchester 350 Legend Cartridge

James Tarr gets to talk to Steve Wilson of Rock River Arms about their RBG.
Guns

Walther Pro SD

James Tarr gets to talk to Steve Wilson of Rock River Arms about their RBG.
Gear

Silencer Central - Who and What

James Tarr gets to talk to Steve Wilson of Rock River Arms about their RBG.
Guns

Ruger SFAR

James Tarr gets to talk to Steve Wilson of Rock River Arms about their RBG.
Guns

Rock River Arms RBG-1S Rifle

Firearms News Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

PREVIEW OUR CURRENT ISSUE

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Buy Single Digital Issue on the Firearms News App

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Firearms News subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now