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Importing a Firearm or Weapon Into Canada
Table of contents
- Keeping Canada Safe
- Prohibited Weapons and Devices
- Firearms Classification
- Firearms Import Procedures for Individuals
- Procedures for Exporting Firearms
- Hunting Requirements
- Transporting Firearms
- Appendix A - Chief Firearms Officers and the Canada Firearms Centre
- Appendix B - Border Information Service (BIS)
- Appendix C - Provincial and Territorial Tourism Information Offices
Keeping Canada Safe
Canada's firearms laws help make Canada safer for residents and visitors. Over the past few years, these laws have resulted in a number of procedural changes.
Remember, you have to declare all firearms and weapons at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) office when you enter Canada. If you do not declare all firearms or weapons, we will seize them 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.
If you need more information about Canada's firearms laws, a specific firearm, weapon, device and/or applicable fees, contact the Canada Firearms Centre at 1-800-731-4000.
You may also want to speak to the Chief Firearms Officer of the province you are planning to visit. To obtain contact information for the Chief Firearms Officers, consult Appendix A of this publication or contact Border Information Service (BIS) at one of the telephone numbers listed in Appendix B.
Prohibited Weapons and Devices
If you are a visitor to Canada or a resident of Canada, you cannot import prohibited weapons or devices.
The following weapons are prohibited from entering Canada:
- 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.
The following devices are prohibited from entering Canada:
- 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 semiautomatic 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)
Replica firearms:
- are designed or intended to exactly resemble a firearm with near precision;
- include most airsoft guns; and
- are not reproductions of antique firearms.
Replica firearms are classified as prohibited devices. Individuals cannot import them into Canada.
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, available through the "Publications and forms" link on our Web site at www.cbsa.gc.ca.
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 can not import newly acquired prohibited firearms under any circumstances.
Non-restricted firearms include:
- semi-automatic rifles and shotguns with barrels that are at least 470 mm (18.5 inches) long, and do not otherwise fall into a restricted or prohibited category; and
- single-shot or manual repeating rifles and shotguns of any length, as long as they are not designed or adapted to be fired when reduced to a length of less than 660 mm (26 inches) by folding, telescoping or other means.
Restricted firearms include:
- most handguns;
- semi-automatic rifles and shotguns that are capable of discharging centre-fire ammunition, have barrels between 105 mm (4.14 inches) and 470 mm (18.5 inches) long, and are not otherwise prohibited;
- firearms designed or adapted to be fired when reduced to a length of less than 660 mm (26 inches) by folding, telescoping or other means; and
- firearms restricted by regulations.
Prohibited firearms include:
- handguns with barrels less than or equal to 105 mm (4.14 inches) long;
- handguns designed or adapted to discharge a 25 or 32-calibre cartridge;
- firearms adapted from rifles or shotguns by sawing, cutting or any other alteration, that, when adapted in this way, are less than 660 mm (26 inches) long or have a barrel that is less than 457 mm (18.5 inches) long;
- automatic firearms, whether or not altered to fire in the manner of a semi-automatic firearm; and
- firearms prohibited by regulations.
On the other hand, antique firearms are not considered firearms for licensing and registration purposes. Antique firearms include:
- any firearms manufactured before 1898 that are not originally designed or redesigned to discharge rim-fire or centre-fire ammunition;
- long guns manufactured in 1898 or later that are reproductions of flintlock, wheel-lock, or matchlock firearms; and
- firearms that are classified as antique by regulations.
If you are a Canadian resident or a visitor to Canada, you can import firearms that are considered to be antiques 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. Please note: safe storage and transportation requirements still apply.
For additional information regarding importation requirements for each class of firearm, see the section called "Firearms Import Procedures for Individuals."
For additional information regarding firearms classification, please consult Memorandum D19-13-2, available through the "Publications and forms" link on our Web site at www.cbsa.gc.ca.
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; and
- 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 metres (500 ft.) per second. 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 metres (500 ft.) per second 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.
Firearms Import Procedures for Individuals
When you arrive at the border, declare your firearm to the border services officer, 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 importing the firearm, 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 may allow you to export the firearm from Canada. At his or her discretion, 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, we can detain it. If you did not declare the firearm, we will seize it, and you may face criminal charges.
If you need information about importing a specific firearm or weapon, contact the Border Information Service (BIS) at one of the telephone numbers listed in Appendix B.
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
If you are a visitor to Canada, and do not have a Canadian firearms licence and registration certificate, you are required to declare your firearms in writing.
Visitors must declare all their firearms in writing. This can be done by filling out Form CAFC 909 Non-Resident Firearm Declaration and paying a CAN$25 fee. Once confirmed by a border services officer, it has the same effect as a temporary licence and registration and is valid for up to 60 days.
If you are importing restricted firearms, you need an authorization to transport (ATT). You can get an application for an ATT by calling the Canada Firearms Centre at 1-800-731-4000. Normally, if you are a visitor declaring your restricted firearms in writing, you should plan to come to the CBSA office between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. in order to apply for an ATT, as 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, as listed in Appendix A.
For more information on declarations by visitors, please call the Canada Firearms Centre at 1-800-731-4000, or visit their Web site at www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca.
Visitors who hold a valid Canadian firearms licence and registration certificates for their firearms must show them to a border services officer.
Visitors who hold a valid Canadian firearms licence but do not have registration certificates for their firearms must also complete Form CAFC 909, 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.
Visitors cannot, under any circumstances, import prohibited firearms.
Visitors who want to leave firearms in Canada must pay duties and taxes and have the firearm registered in Canada. If the firearm is sold or otherwise transferred to a Canadian resident, the parties must meet all the legal requirements associated with transferring firearms.
Documentation - Visitors to Canada without a Canadian Firearms Licence
| Type of Firearm | Form CAFC909 + CAN$25 | Authorization to Transport |
| non-restricted | required | not required |
| restricted | required | required |
| prohibited | importation prohibited | |
Documentation - Visitors to Canada with a Canadian Firearms Licence
| Type of Firearm | Possession and Acquisition Licence OR Possession only Licence | Canadian Firearm Registration Certificate OR Form CAFC909 + CAN$25 | Authorization to Transport |
| non-restricted | required | required | not required |
| restricted | required | required | required |
| prohibited | importation prohibited | ||
Canadian residents
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-only licence or possession and acquisition licence with appropriate privileges;
- the valid registration certificate for the firearm;
- an import permit issued by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (FAITC); and
- a valid ATT issued by the Chief Firearms Officer of the province of residence.
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 Y-38, 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.
Documentation - Canadian residents importing newly acquired firearms
| Type of Firearm | Possession and Acquisition Licence OR Possession only Licence | Firearm Registration Certificate | Authorization to Transport |
| non-restricted | required | required | not required |
| restricted | required | required | required |
| prohibited | importation prohibited | ||
Documentation - Canadian residents re-importing firearms previously exported from Canada
| Type of Firearm | Possession and Acquisition Licence OR Possession only Licence | Firearm Registration Certificate | Authorization to Transport | Import Permit |
| non-restricted | required | required | not required | not required |
| restricted | required | required | required | not required |
| grandfathered | required | required | required | required |
Ammunition
You may import authorized sporting and competitive ammunition and reloading components for your personal use.
Quantities that may be imported for personal use and not for sale without requiring an Explosives Importation Permit from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) include:
- small-arms, sporting ammunition, up to a maximum of 5,000 rounds;
- primers, up to a quantity of 5,000;
- empty primed cartridge cases, up to a quantity of 5,000; and
- propellants, smokeless powder in containers not exceeding 4 kilograms and black powder in containers not exceeding 500 grams, up to a maximum total combined quantity of 8 kilograms, (17.66 pounds).
Consult with the Explosives Regulatory Division at NRCan to determine if the ammunition you wish to import is authorized and approved for importation and use in Canada. Note that tracer, armour-piercing and similar military cartridges are prohibited under Canadian law.
Within these 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.
You can make arrangements to import larger quantities through a Canadian shooting association, committee or federation for team practice and competition at meets. For information on permits to import quantities of ammunition in excess of those mentioned above or for the purposes of sale, contact:
Explosives Regulatory Division
Natural Resources Canada
1431 Merivale Road
Ottawa ON K2E 1B9
Telephone: 613-948-5200
Fax: 613-948-5195
Email: canmet-erd@nrcan.gc.ca
Web site: www.nrcan.gc.ca
Procedures for Exporting Firearms
Exporting firearms temporarily to the United States
Currently, 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) issues the required import permit, which can be obtained by completing an ATF Form 6NIA (5330.3D (.pdf), Application and Permit for Temporary Importation of Firearms and Ammunition by Non-immigrant Aliens. It is available on the ATF Web site at www.atf.gov. It can take up to 12 weeks to process an application, so it is advisable to apply for a permit well in advance.
Note: The application form for the import permit must be accompanied by a copy of a United States hunting licence or an invitation to a target/sportshooting competition. For more information regarding United States import permits, contact:
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch
Office of Public and Governmental Affairs
Room 8290
650 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington DC 20226 USA
Telephone: 202-927-8320
Email: FEAS@atf.treas.gov
Web site: www.atf.treas.gov
If you are temporarily exporting prohibited firearms from Canada to the United States you need an export permit from FAITC. For more information on these permits, contact:
Export and Import Permits Bureau
Export Controls Division
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa ON K1A 0G2
| Telephone | 613-996-2387 |
| Fax: | 613-996-9933 |
| Web site: | www.international.gc.ca |
Exporting firearms temporarily 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 FAITC. For more information on these permits, please contact FAITC at the number and/or address above.
Exporting firearms permanently from Canada
If you are permanently exporting a firearm from Canada, you need an export permit from FAITC. For more information on these permits, please contact FAITC at the number and/or address above.
Before exporting these goods, check with customs officials of the country you intend to enter for their requirements.
You must also advise the Canada Firearms Centre of the exportation. This makes it possible for officials there to update the information contained in the Canadian Firearms Registry. For more information, contact the Canada Firearms Centre at 1-800-731-4000 or visit their Web site at www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca.
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 listed in Appendix C.
Transporting Firearms
Canadian law states that you have to transport all 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 see Transport Canada's Web site at www.tc.gc.ca for information concerning the transportation of firearms and/or ammunition.
Appendix A - Chief Firearms Officers and the Canada Firearms Centre
Canada Firearms Centre
Canada Firearms Centre
Ottawa ON K1A 1M6
Telephone: 1-800-731-4000 (within Canada and the
United States)
506-624-5380 (outside Canada and the
United States)
Fax: 613-957-7325
Email: cfc-cafc@cfc-cafc.gc.ca
Web site: www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca
Chief Firearms Officers
Newfoundland and Labrador
Chief Firearms Officer
Suite E100
Prince Charles Building
120 Torbay Road
St. John's NL A1A 2G8
| Telephone | 1-800-731-4000 (within Canada and the United States) |
| 506-624-5380 (outside Canada and the United States) | |
| Fax: | 709-772-3202 |
Nova Scotia
Policing and Victims Services Division
Department of Justice
1st Floor
5151 Terminal Road
P.O. Box 7
Halifax NS B3J 2L6
| Telephone | 902-424-6689 |
| Fax: | 902-424-4308 |
| Web site: | www.gov.ns.ca |
New Brunswick
Chief Firearms Officer
Department of Public Safety
Law Enforcement Division
P.O. Box 6000
Fredericton NB E3B 5H1
| Telephone: | 506-453-3775 |
| Fax: | 506-457-3521 |
Prince Edward Island
Office of the Chief Firearms Officer
Department of Community Services and
Attorney General
P.O. Box 2000
Charlottetown PE C1A 7N8
| Telephone: | 902-368-5536 |
| Fax: | 902-368-5198 |
| Web site: | www.gov.pe.ca |
Quebec
Contrôleur des armes à feu
Sûreté du Québec
Direction des permis
1681 Parthenais Street
Montréal QC H2K 4S8
| Telephone: | 514-598-4584 |
| Fax: | 514-596-3571 |
| Web site: | www.suretequebec.gouv.qc.ca |
Ontario
Chief Firearms Officer
Ministry of the Solicitor General and
Correctional Services
777 Memorial Avenue
Orillia ON L3V 7V3
| Telephone: | 705-329-5522 |
| Fax: | 705-329-5623 |
Manitoba and Nunavut Territory
Chief Firearms Officer
Manitoba and Nunavut District Office
Unit 1
1680 Ellice Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3H 0Z2
| Telephone: | 1-800-731-4000 (within Canada and the United States) 506-624-5380 (outside Canada and the United States) |
| Fax: | 204-984-0670 |
Saskatchewan
Chief Firearms Officer
Rm 310
1783 Hamilton Street
Regina SK S4P 2B6
| Telephone: | 1-800-731-4000 (within Canada and the United States) 506-624-5380 (outside Canada and the United States) |
| Fax: | 306-780-7400 |
Alberta and Northwest Territories
Chief Firearms Officer
Alberta and Northwest Territories District Office
Suite 720
10909 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton AB T5J 3L9
| Telephone: | 1-800-731-4000 (within Canada and the United States) 506-624-5380 (outside Canada and the United States) |
| Fax: | 780-495-8764 |
British Columbia and Yukon Territory
Chief Firearms Officer
British Columbia and Yukon District Office
Suite 400
10470-152 Street
Surrey BC V3R 0Y3
| Telephone: | 1-800-731-4000 (within Canada and the United States) 506-624-5380 (outside Canada and the United States) |
| Fax: | 604-586-2572 |
Canada Firearms Centre
Ottawa ON K1A 1M6
| Telephone: | 1 -800-731-4000 (within Canada and the United States) 506-624-5380 (outside Canada and the United States) |
| Fax: | 613-957-7325 |
| Email: | cfc-cafc@cfc-cafc.gc.ca |
| Web site: | www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca |
Appendix B - Border Information Service (BIS)
The BIS is a computerized, 24-hour telephone service that automatically answers all incoming calls and provides general border services information. You can use a touch tone telephone to hear recorded information on a variety of border topics related to personal importations, travellers' exemptions, residency information, commercial importations/ exportations, postal shipments, currency exchange rates, cross-border currency reporting and trade agreements; including programs such as CANPASS, NEXUS, API/PNR, CSA/FAST and AMPS.
The service is available in both official languages. If you call during office hours (08:00 - 16:00, local time) and need more specific information, you can speak directly to an agent.
If you use a rotary-dial telephone, you cannot hear the BIS recorded information. However, if you call BIS during office hours (08:00 - 16:00, local time), your call will be transferred directly to an agent.
You can access BIS free of charge throughout Canada by calling 1-800-461-9999. If you are calling from outside Canada, you can access BIS by calling 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064. Long distance charges will apply.
Appendix C - Provincial and Territorial Tourism Information Offices
Note: The toll-free numbers listed below are valid in North America only.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism
| Telephone: | 1-800-563-6353 709-729-2830 |
| Fax: | 709-729-0057 |
| Email: | tourisminfo@gov.nl.ca |
| Web site: | www.newfoundlandandlabradortourism.com |
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island Tourism
| Telephone: | 1-888-PEI-PLAY (734-7529) 902-368-4444 |
| Fax: | 902-629-2428 |
| Email: | tourpei@gov.pe.ca |
| Web site: | www.peiplay.com |
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Department of Tourism,
Culture and Heritage
P.O. Box 456
Halifax NS B3J 2R5
| Telephone: | 1-800-565-0000 Operator 998 902-425-5781 |
| Fax: | 902-420-1286 |
| Email: | explore@gov.ns.ca |
| Web site: | www.novascotia.com |
New Brunswick
Tourism New Brunswick
| Telephone: | 1-800-561-0123 506-789-4982 |
| Fax: | 506-789-2044 |
| Web site: | www.tourismnbcanada.com |
Quebec
Ministère du Tourisme
P.O. Box 979
Montréal QC H3C 2W3
| Telephone: | 1-877-266-5687 514-873-2015 |
| Web site: | www.bonjour-quebec.com |
Ontario
Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation
10th Floor, Hearst Block
900 Bay Street
Toronto ON M7A 2E1
| Telephone: | 1-800-ONTARIO (668-2746) 416-314-0944 |
| Fax: | 416-314-6557 |
| Web site: | www.ontariotravel.net |
Manitoba
Travel Manitoba
7-155 Carlton Street
Winnipeg MB R3C 3H8
| Telephone: | 1-800-665-0040 204-945-3777 |
| Fax: | 204-945-2302 |
| Web site: | www.travelmanitoba.com |
Saskatchewan
Tourism Saskatchewan
1922 Park Street
Regina SK S4N 7M4
| Telephone: | 1-877-237-2273 306-787-9600 |
| Fax: | 306-787-5744 |
| Web site: | www.sasktourism.com |
Alberta
Travel Alberta
P.O. Box 2500
Edmonton AB T5J 2Z4
| Telephone: | 1-800-ALBERTA (272-3782) 780-427-4321 |
| Fax: | 780-427-0867 |
| Web site: | www.travelalberta.com |
British Columbia
Tourism British Columbia
Box 9830 Station Prov.Govt
300-1803 Douglas Street
Victoria BC V8W 9W5
| Telephone: | 1-800-HELLO BC (435-5622) 250-387-1642 |
| Web site: | www.hellobc.com |
Northwest Territories
NWT Tourism
P.O. Box 610
Yellowknife NT X1A 2N5
| Telephone: | 1-800-661-0788 867-873-4059 |
| Web site: | www.explorenwt.com |
Nunavut
Nunavut Tourism
| Telephone: | 1-866-NUNAVUT (686-2888) |
| Email: | info@NunavutTourism.com |
| Web site: | www.nunavuttourism.com |
Yukon
Department of Tourism and Culture
P.O. Box 2703
Whitehorse YT Y1A 2C6
| Telephone: | 1-800-661-0494 |
| Email: | vacation@gov.yk.ca |
| Web site: | www.touryukon.com |
