Press Statement on the Guns and Ammunition Export Issue

The Department of State has the responsibility under the Arms Export control Act, Public Law (94-329) for approving licenses for firearms and ammunition exports for items on the United States Munitions list.

The United States shares the Government of Jamaica's often-stated concern over the possibility that U.S.-origin firearms and ammunition might contribute to crime in Jamaica. The United States routinely monitors licensing procedures and practices in countries to which U.S. firearms and ammunitions are exported. We expect that this review will be completed as quickly as possible.

This is not an "embargo." The review of the licensing procedures will not affect exports to the security forces of Jamaica. The Department of State continues to accept all applications for export licenses for firearms and ammunition going to Jamaica and will consider them on a case-by-case basis.