He heard back through their broker and was informed that just 3 days before, our government made it illegal to export that equipment to US citizens. [More]I'd like to track down the agency order for that -- it seems plausible, as ammunition manufacturing machines are specified in ITAR as being on the US Munitions List, and we've seen that the administration is doing what it can to "clarify" things with that by involving Eric Holder.
I would question the "all you need is $30" assumption. I have no idea what ITAR licensing requirements and fees would be, as well as permits, licensing, zoning and insurance requirements for wherever this neo-entrepreneur wants to set up shop, but I'd think if he were doing things properly, like he's serious about starting a viable effort, he'd have a knowledgeable lawyer advising on his business plan before he commits himself too far and finds he's dug himself into a hole.
That said, if this is more "under the radar" sabotage that we only find out about by surprise, we need to find out, we need to find out what else has been/is being done, and we need to find out if the big gun and industry groups have been caught napping or just didn't think it was worth making noise over.
But first, we need to find out if this is true. I have a call in to someone who may be able to help.
[Via DMJ]