CBP seizes shipment of rifle parts at Port of Seattle

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to the Area Port of Seattle seized a shipment of rifle parts July 8 that were imported contrary to law. The shipment consisted of two pallets of Chinese-manufactured goods manifested as “Rifle Parts.” The shipment was flagged for lacking permits required by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The ATF regulates and restricts firearms and ammunition. Firearm parts cannot be imported into the United States from certain countries and require ATF permits to be allowed entry.

Upon review of the documentation and examination of the shipment, CBP, in consultation with ATF, determined the shipment was prohibited as embargoed goods under the Arms Export Control Act due to their Chinese origin. Over 56,000 parts were seized for a total domestic value of more than $151,000.
The seized parts were designed for rifles and included hammers, release levers, disconnectors, housings, and assembly pins. “This seizure serves as the most recent example of CBP working with our federal partners to enforce the laws of United States and to help ensure the safety of our nation’s residents,” said Seattle Area Port Director Zachary “Clay” Thomas.