Import and Export a Firearm or Weapon into Canada
Canada's firearms laws help make Canada safer for residents and visitors.
When you enter Canada, you must declare all firearms and weapons to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). If you do not, they may be seized and you could face criminal charges. You need documents to prove that you are entitled to possess a firearm in Canada, and you must transport it safely.
For more information about Canada's firearms laws, a specific firearm, weapon, device and/or applicable fees, contact the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000.
You may also want to speak to the Chief Firearms Officer of the province you are planning to visit. For general assistance, please contact the Border Information Service (BIS).
Prohibited Weapons and Devices
Visitors to Canada or residents of Canada cannot import prohibited weapons or devices.
For additional information regarding prohibited weapons and devices, please consult Memorandum D19-13-2, Importing and Exporting Firearms, Weapons and Devices, Customs Tariff, Criminal Code, Firearms Act, and Export and Import Permits Act.
What follows is a list of common names for weapons that are prohibited from entering Canada:
(note the list is not exhaustive)
- automatic knives such as switchblades;
- centrifugal knives such as flick knives or butterfly knives;
- gravity knives;
- mace or pepper spray designed for use on humans;
- nunchaku sticks;
- shuriken (throwing stars);
- manrikigusari or kusari (fighting chains);
- finger rings with blades or other sharp objects projecting from the surface;
- Taser and stun guns shorter than 480 mm;
- crossbows designed for one-handed use;
- crossbows 500 mm or shorter;
- Constant Companion (belt-buckle knife);
- push daggers;
- devices shorter than 30 cm concealing a knife blade (e.g. knife-comb);
- spiked wristbands;
- blowguns;
- Kiyoga or Steel Cobra batons (spring batons);
- spring-loaded rigid batons (triggered by a button or lever);
- morning stars; and
- brass knuckles.
What follows is a list of common names for devices that are prohibited from entering Canada:
(note the list is not exhaustive)
- silencers or devices designed to muffle or stop the sound of a firearm;
- certain cartridge magazines above a given capacity. Generally, cartridge magazines are limited to 5 rounds for centre-fire, semi-automatic rifles or shotguns and 10 rounds for semi-automatic handguns, with exemptions for certain magazines;
- bullpup stocks;
- replica firearms (see additional information on replica firearms below); and
- devices prohibited by regulations.
Replica firearms (prohibited devices)
- are designed or intended to exactly resemble a firearm with near precision;
- are not reproductions of antique firearms; and
- may include airsoft or blank guns.
Replica firearms are classified as prohibited devices. Individuals cannot import them into Canada. For more information on replica firearms see Memorandum D19-13-2, Importing and Exporting Firearms, Weapons and Devices.
Firearms Classification
All firearms are classified as non-restricted, restricted or prohibited. If you are a visitor to Canada, you cannot import prohibited firearms under any circumstances. Canadian residents cannot import newly acquired prohibited firearms under any circumstances.
If you are a Canadian resident or a visitor to Canada, you can import firearms that are considered to be antiques into Canada under the Criminal Code. You do not need to register antique firearms, and you do not need a licence if you are the owner of antique firearms. Safe storage and transportation requirements still apply.
Firearms Specifications
Barrel Length
Canadian law specifies that the barrel of a firearm must be measured to assist in determining the firearm's classification. Barrel length is measured as follows:
- a revolver is measured from the muzzle of the barrel to the breech, immediately in front of the cylinder;
- all other firearms are measured from the muzzle of the barrel up to and including the chamber, but not including the length of any part or accessory added to the barrel, including those designed or intended to suppress the muzzle flash or reduce the recoil, such as a flash suppressor (eliminator) or muzzle brake.
Muzzle Velocity
Other barreled weapons, such as pellet guns, may be considered as non-restricted or restricted firearms if they meet the legal definition of a firearm and have a muzzle velocity of more than 152.4 meters (500 ft.) per second and muzzle energy of more than 5.7 joules. Owners of such firearms have to meet all import, licence, registration and authorization requirements for non-restricted or restricted firearms.
If the muzzle velocity of a weapon is 152.4 meters (500 ft.) per second or less or if the muzzle energy is 5.7 joules or less, the weapon may still, technically, be a firearm. However, owners of such weapons do not need a firearms licence, the weapons do not have to be registered, and owners do not need an authorization to transport such a weapon for importation purposes.
Additional information:
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police website
- Memorandum D19-13-2, Importing and Exporting Firearms, Weapons and Devices
Procedures for Individuals Importing Firearms
Declare all firearms to a border services officer when you arrive at the border, provide any documents required (as listed below), and answer all questions truthfully. The border services officer must be satisfied that you have a valid reason for bringing the firearm into Canada, and may check to ensure that you have stored your firearm properly for transportation. The border services officer will also review your documents and may verify that the firearm you have matches the one described on the documents.
If you have declared a firearm but cannot meet the import requirements, or you do not have the proper documents, the border services officer, at his or her discretion, may allow you to export the firearm from Canada. Alternatively, the border services officer may detain the firearm, issue you a receipt and allow you a reasonable amount of time to present the correct documents to the CBSA.
If you have not been truthful, or if the officer believes that you should not bring the firearm into Canada, the CBSA can detain it. If you did not declare the firearm, the CBSA will seize it, and you may face criminal charges.
If you need information about importing a specific firearm or weapon, contact the Canadian Firearms Program or the Border Information Service.
Import regulations
Different regulations apply if you are importing firearms as a visitor or Canadian resident. However, anyone importing a firearm to Canada must be at least 18 years of age.
Note: Persons under 18 years of age cannot import firearms, but may be eligible for a Minor's Possession Licence.
Visitors to Canada
To import firearms into Canada you must have a valid purpose. Valid purposes can include:
- hunting during hunting season;
- use in competitions;
- repair;
- re-enactments;
- in transit movement, i.e., moving in the most direct route possible from point A to point B, through Canada; or
- protection against wildlife in remote areas.
Non-restricted firearms
Visitors who hold a valid Canadian firearms licence must show it to a border services officer to import a non-restricted firearm.
Restricted firearms
Visitors who hold a valid Canadian firearm licence but do not have a registration certificate for their restricted firearms must also complete Form RCMP 5589, Non-Resident Firearm Declaration, and pay a Can$25 fee. Once confirmed by a border services officer, the declaration has the same effect as a temporary registration certificate for the firearms for up to 60 days.
If you are importing restricted firearms, you also need an authorization to transport (ATT). You can get an application for an ATT by calling the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000. If you are a visitor declaring your restricted firearms in writing, you should report to the nearest CBSA office between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. (local time) to apply for an ATT. You will need a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration confirmation number to apply. If you are unable to come to the office during these hours, please make arrangements in advance by calling the Chief Firearms Officer of the province you will be visiting.
Prohibited firearms, devices and weapons
Visitors to Canada cannot, under any circumstances, import prohibited firearms, prohibited devices or prohibited weapons.
For more information on declarations by visitors, please call the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000, or review their frequently asked questions.
| Type of Firearm | Form RCMP 5589 + Can$25 | Authorization to Transport |
|---|---|---|
| non-restricted | required | not required |
| restricted | required | required |
| prohibited | importation prohibited | importation prohibited |
| Type of Firearm | Possession and Acquisition Licence | Canadian Firearm Registration Certificate OR Form RCMP 5589 + Can$25 |
Authorization to Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| non-restricted | required | not required | not required |
| restricted | required | required | required |
| prohibited | importation prohibited | importation prohibited | importation prohibited |
Canadian residents
Prohibited firearms
Canadian residents cannot, under any circumstances, import prohibited firearms newly acquired outside Canada.
If you are importing grandfathered prohibited firearms that you previously temporarily exported from Canada, you have to provide the CBSA with:
- your valid Possession and Acquisition Licence with appropriate privileges;
- the valid registration certificate for the firearm;
- an import permit issued by Global Affairs Canada; and
- a valid ATT issued by the Chief Firearms Officer of the province of entry, if not entering Canada through the province of residence.
Previously exported firearms
If you are importing firearms that were previously exported from Canada, it is a good idea to carry proof that you purchased the firearm in Canada, or that duty was paid when you imported it. You can ask CBSA staff to document your firearm on Form BSF407, Identification of Articles for Temporary Exportation, before you leave the country or provide a copy of the export permit under which the firearm was exported. Please note that Form BSF407, Identification of Articles for Temporary Exportation, is only available at a CBSA office.
| Type of Firearm | Possession and Acquisition Licence | Firearm Registration Certificate | Authorization to Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| non-restricted | required | not required | not required |
| restricted | required | required | *required |
| prohibited | importation prohibited | importation prohibited | importation prohibited |
*The presentation of a valid authorization to transport (ATT) is only required if entry into Canada is through a port of entry outside the province which the resident resides.
| Type of Firearm | Possession and Acquisition Licence | Firearm Registration Certificate | Authorization to Transport | Import Permit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| non-restricted | required | not required | not required | not required |
| restricted | required | required | *required | not required |
| grandfathered prohibited | required | required | *required | required |
*The presentation of a valid ATT is only required if entry into Canada is through a port of entry outside the province which the resident resides.
Ammunition, Primers and Powders
As per the Explosives Regulations, 2013, Section 45, a person may import, export or transport in transit explosives without a permit if the following conditions are met:
- the explosive is imported, exported, or transported in transit for personal use and not for commercial purposes;
- the explosive enters or leaves Canada with the person importing it; or exporting it or, if the explosive is transported in transit, it remains with the person transporting it at all times; and
- in the case of small arms cartridges, the cartridges do not include a tracer, incendiary or similar military component or device (for example, an armour-piercing handgun projectile); and
- the quantity of the explosive being imported, exported, and transported in transit is not more than the quantity set out in the table.
Within the prescribed limits, non-residents can import 200 rounds duty free for hunting purposes, or up to 1,500 rounds duty free for use at a recognized competition.
Information on permits to import personal quantities of explosives in excess of those outlined in the Explosives Regulations, 2013 or on importation for commercial purposes can be found in Memorandum D19-6-1, Administration of the Explosives Act, or by contacting Natural Resources Canada.
Procedures for Individuals Exporting Firearms
Exporting firearms to the United States
If you are exporting non-restricted or restricted firearms from Canada to the United States, you do not have to stop at a CBSA office when you leave the country. However, the United States requires an import permit. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) issue the required import permit. Applicable forms are available on the ATF website at www.atf.gov.
If you are exporting prohibited firearms from Canada to the United States you need an export permit from Global Affairs Canada.
Exporting firearms to countries other than the United States
If you are exporting any class of firearm to countries other than the United States, you need an export permit from Global Affairs Canada.
Before exporting these goods, check with customs officials of the country you intend to enter for their requirements.
You must also advise the Canadian Firearms Program of any permanent exportation of a restricted or prohibited firearm from Canada. This makes it possible for officials there to update the information contained in the Canadian Firearms Registry. For more information, please call the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000, or review their frequently asked questions.
Hunting Requirements
Firearms are forbidden in many of Canada's national and provincial parks, game reserves and adjacent areas. Hunting in Canada is governed by federal, provincial and territorial laws. If you hunt in Canada, you must have a hunting licence from each province or territory you plan to hunt in. If you need more information about parks and hunting regulations, contact the appropriate provincial or territorial tourism information office or hunting licence authority.
Please note that only non-restricted firearms can be used for hunting purposes and protection against wildlife in remote areas. Use of firearms for personal protection, or protection of property is not deemed a valid purpose to import firearms into Canada.
Transporting Firearms
Canadian law states that you have to transport all firearms, including antique firearms, unloaded. If you are transporting them in a vehicle, they must be kept out of sight in a part of a vehicle that is kept locked (the trunk, if there is one), unless the vehicle is supervised by an adult. You have to transport restricted and prohibited firearms in a locked case and equip them with locked safety devices to prevent firing. Antique handguns do not require a secure locking device, although all other transportation provisions apply.
If you are flying, please visit Canadian Air Transport Security Authority's website for information concerning the transportation of firearms and/or ammunition by air.
Foreign Requirements
Importers are reminded that foreign countries, including the United States, have different legal requirements that apply to the purchase, possession, transportation and exportation of firearms, ammunition, weapons and related items. It is recommended that you contact the appropriate authorities in the country you are visiting, to determine if any requirements apply to your situation.
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