New Jersey has enacted firearm laws that regulate not only complete firearms, but also parts, accessories, magazines, ammunition, and firearm industry conduct. These laws create strict compliance requirements and expanded civil liability that make it impractical for out-of-state retailers like Arm Or Ally to sell or ship regulated products into New Jersey.
What Is New Jersey’s Gun Industry Liability Law?
In 2022, New Jersey enacted a firearm industry liability law that allows the state to bring civil actions against firearm industry members when the sale, marketing, or distribution of firearm-related products is alleged to contribute to a public nuisance or public harm. The law narrows traditional legal protections and allows lawsuits even when a seller complied with federal law.
Official statute information:
https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2022/A1765
New Jersey Attorney General overview:
https://www.njoag.gov/new-jersey-enacts-nations-strongest-gun-safety-laws/
Why Does This Increase Risk for Online Retailers?
New Jersey’s liability framework allows civil claims based on how firearm-related products are marketed or distributed, not just on illegal conduct or defective products. This means an online retailer could face lawsuits alleging that ordinary sales practices failed to include sufficient “reasonable controls,” even when the retailer acted lawfully.
For out-of-state sellers, defending against these claims can be costly and unpredictable, creating legal exposure that goes beyond traditional e-commerce risk.
Other New Jersey Laws That Add to the Compliance Burden
New Jersey also enforces additional firearm and ammunition laws that complicate shipping and compliance, including:
- Firearms Purchaser Identification (FPID) requirements: New Jersey requires residents to obtain a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card to purchase or possess rifles, shotguns, and most ammunition, creating additional verification requirements for sellers.
https://www.nj.gov/njsp/firearms/firearms-faqs.shtml - Magazine capacity limits: New Jersey restricts magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds, with very limited exceptions.
https://www.nj.gov/oag/newsreleases20/pr20200629b.html - Assault firearm restrictions: New Jersey bans a defined list of firearms and firearm features under state law, with interpretations that differ from federal definitions.
https://www.nj.gov/njsp/firearms/firearms_info.shtml - Unserialized and privately made firearm restrictions: New Jersey bans unserialized firearms and regulates unfinished frames and receivers, including restrictions on sale and possession.
https://www.njoag.gov/ag-platkin-announces-new-ghost-gun-enforcement-actions/
Is This a Political Decision?
No. This is a business and risk-management decision. New Jersey’s expanded civil liability framework and layered firearm regulations significantly increase compliance costs, operational complexity, and legal exposure for out-of-state retailers beyond what is practical for Arm Or Ally.
Will Arm Or Ally Sell to New Jersey in the Future?
At this time, no. Until New Jersey law becomes clearer, more predictable, and less punitive toward out-of-state sellers, Arm Or Ally does not sell or ship firearms, parts, accessories, or ammunition into New Jersey.
