NBC Gear and The Law
The following is probably long overdue, but better late than never. I was only recently able to confirm this information.
You may ask yourself what the legality is of purchasing, possessing, selling, transporting, or mailing NBC gear. And it's a good thing too, because you may be inadvertantly setting yourself up for criminal charges.
Sources for the information below are various Federal law enforcement agencies. Information below is known to be 100% true as of the time of this writing, 18 March 05. Any amplifications, additions, or changes will be made immediately upon confirmation of new information.
Domestic ownership, sale, and possession of US Military NBC Gear:
It is illegal for anyone to possess any US military NBC gear, to include masks, filters, suits, mask hoods, decontamination equipment, etc. that was manufacured after April, 2003. Exceptions are US military personnel who are issued gear for personal protection, and any other personnel operating in an official capacity provided that the gear they possess was issued to them and not purchased privately.
I have spoken firsthand to Federal agents who keep a close eye on eBay, and I warn all of you that no matter what you may think, the Federal government monitors all eBay transactions of military equipment. Though it may take years for them to catch up to you, they can and will someday contact you if you have purchased anything manufactured after April, 2003. TRUST ME-- I KNOW PEOPLE WHO DO THIS FOR A LIVING AND THIS IS NO FALSE ALARM!!!
EMAIL ME if you need anonymous assistance in determining the manufacture dates of any items in your collection. At the very least, the gear will be confiscated. In some circumstances, Federal charges can and will be filed and if you are unable to trace the exact information regarding who you purchased the equipment from, then it will be far worse for you because you will be unable to prove that you do not possess materiel that you stole from the government.
You may take this as a joke or an exaggeration, but if you fail to listen to me, you may pay a very high price indeed! This information is here to help you!
I repeat my warning, to all eBay, surplus store, trade show, and private sale customers: there will come a day when the Federal authorities confront you about your ownership of any NBC gear manufactured after April, 2003, and you had better be prepared with all of the information possible about where you purchased the equipment. Every single piece of equipment is in the process of being traced from the moment it left the factory, and eventually you will have to account for where you obtained it, and the information you provide had better be accurate!
Bottom line-- if you must privately purchase NBC gear, do so from a reputable source, and make sure the items were manufactured before April, 2003.
Sale and Shipment of NBC Equipment:
It is illegal to export any NBC gear (from any nation) from an address in the USA, to an address outside the USA. Domestic sales and shipping are permitted as long as the equipment complies with the above-reference April, 2003, guideline.
