Washington has enacted firearm laws that regulate not only complete firearms, but also parts, accessories, magazines, ammunition, and firearm industry conduct. These laws impose 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 Washington.
What Is Washington’s Gun Industry Liability Law?
In 2023, Washington enacted legislation expanding civil liability for firearm industry members. The law allows the state and local governments to bring civil actions against manufacturers, distributors, and sellers if the sale, marketing, or distribution of firearm-related products is alleged to contribute to a public nuisance or public harm. Claims may be asserted even when a seller complied with federal law.
Official bill information (HB 1143):
https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2023-24/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/House/1143-S.SL.pdf
Washington Attorney General overview:
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-legislation-hold-gun-industry-accountable-signed-law
Why Does This Increase Risk for Online Retailers?
Washington’s liability framework allows lawsuits based on how firearm-related products are marketed or sold, not just on illegal conduct or defective products. An online retailer could face civil claims alleging insufficient “reasonable controls,” even when products were lawful and transactions followed federal requirements.
For out-of-state sellers, defending against these claims can be costly and unpredictable, creating legal exposure that extends beyond typical e-commerce risk.
Other Washington Laws That Add to the Compliance Burden
Washington also enforces additional firearm and ammunition restrictions that complicate shipping and compliance, including:
- Magazine capacity limits: Washington bans the sale, distribution, and importation of magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds, with limited exceptions.
https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41.370 - Unserialized and privately made firearm restrictions: Washington bans unserialized firearms and regulates unfinished frames and receivers, including restrictions on sale and possession.
https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2021-22/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/House/1705-S.SL.pdf - Firearm transfer and waiting period rules: Washington requires enhanced background checks and waiting periods for many firearm transfers, adding state-specific processes beyond federal requirements.
https://www.wsp.wa.gov/firearms-background-checks/ - Ammunition and sales regulations: Washington has adopted additional sales and recordkeeping requirements that impact fulfillment expectations for out-of-state sellers.
Is This a Political Decision?
No. This is a business and risk-management decision. Washington’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 Washington in the Future?
At this time, no. Until Washington law becomes clearer, more predictable, and less punitive toward out-of-state sellers, Arm Or Ally does not sell or ship firearms, parts, accessories, magazines, or ammunition into Washington.
