Import and export a firearm or weapon into Canada

Canada's firearms laws help make Canada safer for residents and visitors.

Procedures for individuals importing firearms

Declare all firearms to a border services officer when you arrive at the border, provide all documents required (as listed below), and answer all questions truthfully. The border services officer may verify your declaration. They must be satisfied that you have a valid reason for bringing firearms into Canada, and may check to ensure that you have stored your firearms properly for transportation. The border services officer will also review your documents and may verify that the firearms you have matches the ones described on the documents.

If you have declared firearms but cannot meet the import requirements, or you do not have the proper documents, the border services officer may at his or her discretion and dependant on the availability of services at the port of entry, 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 do not declare the firearm or are untruthful, the CBSA may seize it, and you may face criminal charges and/or monetary penalties.

If you need information about importing a specific firearm or weapon, contact the Canadian Firearms Program or the Border Information Service.

Import regulations

There are different rules that apply depending on whether you are a visitor or a Canadian resident and depending on the type of firearm you are importing. However, anyone importing firearms to Canada must be at least 18 years of age.

Visitors to Canada

To import firearms into Canada you must have a valid purpose. Valid purposes can include (but are not limited to) the following:

• hunting during hunting season (limited to non-restricted firearms only)
• use in competitions
• repair
• in transit movement, i.e., moving in the most direct route possible from point A to point B, through Canada
• protection against wildlife in remote areas (limited to non-restricted firearms only)

Non-restricted firearms

If you are importing non-restricted firearms and you hold a valid Canadian firearms licence, you will need to show the licence to a border services officer.

If you do not hold a valid Canadian firearms licence, you must:

• complete Form RCMP 5589: Non-Resident Firearm Declaration (this form acts as the visitors firearms licence while in Canada)
• pay a CAN$25.00 fee.

Once confirmed by a border services officer, the declaration has the same effect as a temporary licence for the firearms for up to 60 days.

Restricted firearms

Visitors who do not hold a valid Canadian firearms licence or registration certificate for their restricted firearm must:

• complete Form RCMP 5589: Non-Resident Firearm Declaration
• pay a CAN$25.00 fee

Once confirmed by a border services officer, the form acts as the licence and as the temporary registration certificate for the firearms.

Visitors who hold a valid Canadian firearm licence but do not have a registration certificate for their restricted firearms must:

• complete Form RCMP 5589: Non-Resident Firearm Declaration
• pay a CAN$25.00 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.

To import restricted firearms you also need an authorization to transport (ATT). You can get one by following these steps:

• call the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000 to receive an application for an ATT
• apply and receive approval for an ATT from the Chief Firearms Officer of the province you will be visiting
• when arriving at the border, declare your firearms, present the approved ATT and apply for the Form RCMP 5589: Non-Resident Firearm Declaration, if required

If you arrive at the border without an ATT for the restricted firearm, the CBSA may hold the firearm for 14 days while you apply for the form. Once obtained, you must present the ATT to the CBSA.

Prohibited firearms, devices and weapons

Visitors to Canada cannot, under any circumstances, import prohibited firearms, prohibited devices or prohibited weapons. A listing of these items may be found in the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted.

For more information on declarations by visitors, please call the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000, or review their frequently asked questions.

Canadian residents

Restricted firearms

If you arrive at the border without an ATT for the restricted firearm, the CBSA may hold the firearm for 14 days while you apply for the form. Once obtained, you must present the ATT to the CBSA.

In addition to a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) with restricted privileges and registration certificate, Canadian residents will also need to obtain an import permit issued by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) under the Export and Import Permits Act in order to import a newly acquired restricted handgun.

For more information on import permits please visit GAC's website Import Controls and Import Permits.

Prohibited firearms

Canadian residents cannot, under any circumstances, import prohibited firearms newly acquired outside Canada. A listing of these items may be found in the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted.

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 (PAL) with appropriate privileges
• the valid registration certificate for the firearm
• a valid paper ATT issued by the Chief Firearms Officer of the province of entry
• an import permit issued by Global Affairs Canada

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.

Ammunition, primers and powders

As per the Explosives Regulations, 2013, Section 45, a person may import, export or transport explosives in-transit 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
• 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)
• 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.

If you are exporting prohibited firearms from Canada to the United States you need a PAL, registration certificate, paper ATT and 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 an export permit is required from Global Affairs Canada. In addition, you need to present a PAL and dependent on the classification of the firearm a registration certificate and a paper ATT.

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.

Date modified:

2024-09-10