Although ballistic vests and body armors are purely defensive equipment and are not designed to inflict or cause injuries or harm, the possession, selling and importing of bulletproof products are regulated under federal laws and regulations. This makes sense as more people are now gaining interest in purchasing bulletproof products for security and protection. Even criminals would like to take advantage of them too. Thus, these ballistic compliance laws are established in an attempt to prevent criminal misuse of bulletproof products.
As important as knowing the level of protection your bulletproof vest can offer you, is knowing the different rules governing the possession of the ballistic vests and armors. As the purchaser it is your obligation to check and conform with your local rules and regulations. Otherwise, you are t the odd risk of getting penalized or jailed.
The challenges for ballistic compliance by global foreign companies in the US can be quite tough. Unlike the European Union countries where bulletproof products shipment and selling is quite more liberal and lenient, the US has more refined rules.
Did you know that in the United Kingdom it is largely legal to sell and purchase bulletproof products as long they are not considered to be military armaments? That’s no surprise why you can see a lot of shops in the UK which openly sell bulletproof products both new and used alike.
In the United States there are stricter federal laws and challenging guidelines. Here are some of them:
- In the USA, if you have committed a past crime or if you have been a convicted felon it is not legal for you to purchase or wear body armors and ballistic vests. Thus you should not have a criminal background, bulletproof vests and armors are only for law abiding US citizens.
- In most states, the minimum age allowed to buy body armors is 18, except for the state of Texas where you must be at least 21 years old.
- In Kentucky wearing or possessing a body armor whilst in the act of committing a crime is a crime by itself.
- In the state of Florida, you can be convicted of a third-degree felony if you attempt or commit a crime while wearing a body armor or vest.
- In California, the penalty and sentence for a felony or crime committed where body armor is involved can be increased. The judge may add up to 3 years of sentences once found out you wore any ballistic products while committing a crime.
- In Connecticut, you can only purchase a body armor face to face. It is strictly prohibited to buy body armors and vests via phone or online unless if you can provide proof that you work in the military or police department.
- The state of Louisiana prohibits wearing of body armors and bulletproof vests within the school premises.
The US Customs and Border Protection comply to strict standards regarding import and export of products including bulletproof products. Every items which crosses the US borders are subject to custom clearance, fees and duties not unless the items are specifically exempted.