Illinois has broad and evolving firearm laws that regulate not only complete firearms, but also parts, accessories, ammunition, and related products. These laws create complex compliance requirements and significant legal exposure for out-of-state sellers, making it impractical for Arm Or Ally to sell or ship regulated products into Illinois.
What Is Illinois Public Act 103-0559?
Illinois Public Act 103-0559 expanded state law to regulate “firearm industry members,” which includes businesses involved in the design, distribution, importation, marketing, or sale of firearm-related products into Illinois. The law broadly defines “firearm-related products” and “firearm accessories,” meaning common parts and components may fall under additional regulation.
Official law text:
https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/publicacts/view/103-0559
How Does This Law Increase Legal Risk for Sellers?
Public Act 103-0559 allows Illinois authorities and private parties to pursue civil actions against firearm industry members if they believe sales, marketing, or distribution practices contributed to harm. This means an out-of-state retailer could face lawsuits or enforcement actions even when selling products that are otherwise legal under federal law or in other states.
Are There Other Illinois Firearm Laws That Affect Shipping?
Yes. Illinois also requires residents to hold a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card to purchase or possess firearms and ammunition. While FOID requirements primarily apply to residents, they create additional verification and compliance challenges for sellers shipping into Illinois.
FOID information:
https://www.ispfsb.com/Public/Faq.aspx
Illinois also restricts certain firearms, magazines, and accessories under the Protect Illinois Communities Act. While portions of that law continue to be challenged in court, the regulatory environment remains uncertain and subject to change.
Protect Illinois Communities Act overview:
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=4021&ChapterID=39
Why Doesn’t Arm Or Ally Just Create an Illinois-Specific Process?
Selling into Illinois would require separate checkout rules, customer verification systems, ongoing legal review, and constant monitoring of changing state laws. Even with these measures, the risk of civil lawsuits or enforcement actions would remain high.
For an online retailer, the cost and legal exposure outweigh the benefit of selling into the Illinois market.
Is This a Political Decision?
No. This is a business and risk-management decision. Arm Or Ally operates nationally, and Illinois law creates a disproportionate level of compliance complexity and legal exposure compared to other states.
Will Arm Or Ally Sell to Illinois in the Future?
At this time, no. Until Illinois law becomes clearer, more stable, and less punitive toward out-of-state sellers, Arm Or Ally does not sell or ship firearms, parts, accessories, or ammunition into Illinois.
