Fact Sheet

July 2013

Importation of Antique Firearms for Historical Re-enactments

The Definition of an Antique

The Canadian Criminal Code defines an antique firearm as:

• Any firearm manufactured before 1898 that was not designed to discharge rim-fire or centre-fire ammunition and that has not been re-designed to discharge such ammunition, or
• Any firearm that is prescribed to be an antique firearm.

Antique firearms do not require any documentation upon temporary import into Canada.

Black Powder Reproductions

Flintlock, wheel-lock or matchlock rifles or shotguns manufactured after 1897 are not considered firearms under Canadian law and upon import to Canada do not require a Non-Resident Firearms Declaration form (CAFC 909).

All other reproductions imported into Canada require completion of a CAFC 909 and payment of a $25.00 fee. For example, reproductions of percussion cap muzzle-loading firearms like American Civil War Enfield and Springfield rifles will be considered firearms and not antiques.

Reproduction handguns are considered handguns under Canadian law which require a CAFC 909 and an Authorization to Transport.

Replica Firearms

Replicas of antiques are not considered firearms under Canadian law and will be treated the same as antiques.

Please note: All firearms and weapons must be declared to a border services officer when you enter Canada. Failure to do so could result in them being seized, and you may face criminal charges.