Licensing

Explosives Regulatory Division

Importation Permits

With the exception of explosives under the direct control of the military, Importation Permits are required for the importation into Canada of any explosive in accordance with its type and quantity. Normally, an Importation Permit is granted to allow the importation of explosives that appear on the
List of Authorized Explosives. Some basic restrictions apply to the importation of large quantities of explosives, the two main ones being licensing (for sale or use, see Licensing), and certification as an authorized user (Fireworks and Special Effects).

An Exemption Table is noted in the Explosive Regulations that outlines what types and quantities of explosives can be imported into Canada for personal use and not for sale without requiring an Importation Permit, e.g., ammunition, propellant powders, safety flares, etc. Normally, those Canadians wishing to import ammunition for personal use can bring back up to 5000 rounds without requiring an Importation Permit. You may wish to contact the local Canada Customs Office nearest you for details on what your personal exemption limit for duty and taxes would be. In general, for personal use, non-residents can import 200 rounds duty free for hunting purposes, or up to 1500 rounds duty free for use at a recognized shooting competition. Non-residents who are moving from the United States and only passing through Canada (in transit) can bring up to 5000 rounds per shipment without paying duty/taxes or requiring an Importation Permit. If firearms are present, they must also be declared. The Non-Resident Firearms Declaration must be presented in triplicate, unsigned, to a Canada Customs officer at your first point of entry into Canada. For further details on the importation of firearms, contact the Canada Border Services Agency nearest you or the Canadian Firearms Centre, or call 1-800-731-4000.

Listed below are the three main types of Importation Permits available through ERD:

Type A (Annual) Import Permit

This type of Importation Permit is valid for an unlimited number of importations over a 12-month period. It is ideally suited to commercial operators who import explosives more than three times a year. The current permit fee is $100.

Type G (General) Import Permit

This type of Importation Permit is valid for a single importation during a 12-month period. The current fee is $30.

Type SG (Special General) Import Permit

This type of Importation Permit may be obtained for the importation of products that do not appear on the List of Authorized Explosives when the importation is for chemical analysis, scientific research, field testing, major fireworks competitions, or other special purposes.

The Explosives Regulatory Division (ERD) has New Forms for Import Permit Applications and Importer Information Reports

Please find below the links to Form 13 (Application for Import Permit) and Form 16 (Importer's Information Report) to be used respectively for import permit applications and for reporting of information to the ERD. For general permit holders, please submit a completed Form 16 after the shipment has occurred and, for annual permit holders, please submit a Form 16 after each shipment or in a bulk transmittal at the end of each month. The forms are available below in interactive PDF format and paper copies can also be obtained by e-mailing
canmet-erd@NRCan.gc.ca. The ERD has modified the forms in format, design and content for ease of completion. Please ensure the forms are completed accurately and in a timely manner because import permit applications and renewal applications will not be processed until the forms have been received. The new forms will be expected as of November 1, 2005. We have sent a letter to importers outlining the changes and inviting comments.

Please send completed Forms 13 and 16 by mail or by fax to:

Explosives Regulatory Division
Natural Resources Canada
1431 Merivale Road
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G1

Fax: (613) 948-5195

Forms Required

New! 13	Application for Import Permit
New! 16	Importer's Information Report
*Note:*	After you have opened the form and before you print, please ensure you change the paper size by selecting File, Print, Properties, Advanced, and then change the paper size from Letter to Legal.

Product Trial Permission

These are permissions to produce, store and use explosives that have not been authorized. A temporary classification for the purposes of the trials will be granted.

Equipment Trial Permission

These are permissions to try out pieces of new equipment.

Note:

Trials will only be allowed from existing, licensed factories.

There are no fees.

There is no formal application process; however, a letter requesting approval is required.

Blasting Explosives Purchase and Possession Permit (Form 20)

For the purchase of blasting explosives for personal use when the quantity is below the licensing requirement of 75 kg or stored for less than 90 days. This permit can be obtained from the licensed explosives vendor nearest you.

Transportation Permits

An Explosives Transportation Permit is generally required when transporting explosives by road in loads exceeding 2000 kilograms net explosives weight. These permits (Form 18) are issued by Transport Canada's Dangerous Goods Directorate. The fee is $30 per vehicle.

For more information on Transportation Permits, contact:

Dangerous Goods Directorate
Transport Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0N5
Attention: Compliance and Operations
Jim Brown, Tel.: (613) 998-6546
Carol Gorman, Tel.: (613) 998-6541
Fax: (613) 952-1340

Explosives that may be imported without an explosives Importation Permit

Explosive Type	Quantity
Safety cartridges	5000
Percussion caps (primers) for safety cartridges	5000
Empty primed cartridge cases	5000
Gunpowder (black powder) in canisters of 500 g or less and smokeless powder in canisters of 4000 g or less	8 kg
Model rocket engines	6
Pyrotechnic distress signals and lifesaving devices	Any quantity necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft, train, vessel or vehicle in which they are transported, or for the safety of the occupants


Last Modified: 2006-03-27	Important Notices