Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Ammo Shipping Alert: Orchid Adds Real-Time Classification to eState for ZIP Code-Based Legal Checks

Orchid, the industry leader in FFL point-of-sale software, compliance solutions, and 2A-friendly payment processing, today announced a powerful new enhancement to its Orchid eState™ platform and API: real-time, ZIP code-based regulatory classification for Firearm Ammunition. The addition of ammo to Orchid’s existing firearm, magazine and accessories functionality enables Federal Firearms Licensees to instantly verify whether specific ammunition products can be sold or shipped to a buyer—reducing costly mistakes and regulatory risk.

Through a single API call or user interface entry, clients can now submit a UPC and destination ZIP code to instantly determine if a specific ammunition product is restricted in a given jurisdiction.

Philip Milks, SVP at Orchid, commented: “Adding ammunition to Orchid eState is a natural next step in our mission to provide a single source of truth for regulated product compliance. Ammunition provides a higher risk transaction for companies selling products online than firearms sales as typically most companies ship straight to consumers. We have seen many instances of accidental sales that have resulted in State-initiated action against industry members resulting in tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and attorney’s fees. State laws are constantly changing, and this enhancement provides firearm retailers and eComm outlets with the real-time information they need to protect their business and their customers.”

Ammunition Classification Highlights

  • UPC & ZIP Code Input: Determine status of any ammunition product by submitting a UPC and destination ZIP code via API or the web-based UI. Queries by attribute are also possible.
  • Attribute-Based Intelligence: Classification is determined by analyzing the ammunition’s caliber, composition, intended use, and more.
  • Three Restriction Categories:
    • Product – Whether the ammo is allowed for sale in the destination
    • Shipping – Whether it can be shipped direct to consumers in the ZIP code
    • Age – Whether age restrictions apply to the purchase
  • Instant API Access: Plug directly into eCommerce platforms, ERP systems, or POS software to deliver live compliance at checkout.

Built for POS, eCommerce and ERP Technology Stacks

Orchid eState is designed to operate seamlessly alongside Orchid’s eFFL API, which provides a real-time geo-locator and license validation service for all FFLs in the United States. Together, these APIs offer firearm retailers and online marketplaces the industry’s most complete regulatory technology suite—covering product restrictions, dealer lookup, age verification, and destination legality in real time.

How to Access Orchid eState

Orchid eState’s ammunition classification features are available now through both the web-based application and API subscription. Firearm manufacturers, distributors and retailers can request access by visiting orchidadvisors.com or contacting their Orchid account representative. Flexible pricing is available for standalone use or bundled with other Orchid technologies, including eFFL, POS, and eCommerce solutions.

About Orchid

Orchid is a trusted provider of innovative technology solutions for the firearms industry, celebrating over a decade of leadership in the shooting sports community. In partnership with FFL Law, Orchid delivers market-leading FFL software, firearms-friendly payment processing, and regulatory services for the firearms, ammunition, and explosives sectors. Solutions include Orchid POS, eCommerce platforms, the B2B Sales Portal, Firearm Sales Portal, and compliance tools like Orchid eBound™ and Orchid eState™. Orchid excels in ERP integrations, ATF compliance, import/export regulations, and multi-state firearm law expertise. Learn more at orchidadvisors.com.