Firearms and weapons: Canadian border requirements
Learn about the import and export laws and regulations enforced by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and its partners. Be aware of the rules and restrictions before you cross the border with firearms, weapons or related parts and accessories.
Procedures for individuals entering Canada with firearms
- Declare all firearms to a border services officer (BSO) when you arrive at the border
- Provide all documents required
- Answer all questions truthfully
The BSO 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 BSO 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 BSO 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 BSO 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.
In many cases, a Canadian Firearms Licence (Possession and Acquisition Licence [PAL]) is required to import firearms to Canada.
If you need information about obtaining a Canadian Firearms Licence importing a specific firearm or weapon, contact the Canadian Firearms Program or the Border Information Service.
Firearms import regulations for visitors
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 bringing into Canada, or importing. However, anyone importing firearms to Canada must be at least 18 years of age.
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), refer to Hunting requirements section
- use in competitions
- repair
- in transit movement, that is, 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 (NRFD) (this form acts as the visitors firearms licence while in Canada)
- pay a CAN$25.00 fee
Once confirmed by a BSO, 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 and registration certificate for their restricted firearm must:
- complete form RCMP 5589: NRFD
- pay a CAN$25.00 fee
Once confirmed by a BSO, the form acts as the licence and as the 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: NRFD, 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.
Required documents for visitors
| Type of firearm | Form RCMP 5589: NRFD + CAN$25.00 | 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: NRFD + CAN$25.00 | Authorization to transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| non-restricted | required | not required | not required |
| restricted | required | requiredFootnote 1 | required |
| prohibited | importation prohibited | importation prohibited | importation prohibited |
Firearms import regulations for Canadian residents
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 bringing into Canada, or importing. However, anyone importing firearms to Canada must be at least 18 years of age.
Non-restricted firearms
A Possession and Acquisition Licence is required for the importation of non-restricted firearms.
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 PAL with restricted privileges, ATT and a 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 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 GAC
Required documents for Canadian residents
| 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 | required for restricted handguns |
| prohibited | importation prohibited | importation prohibited | importation prohibited | importation prohibited |
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 is only available at a CBSA office.
| 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 |
Import regulations for ammunition, cartridge magazine and firearm parts (barrels and handgun slides)
As of , changes to the legislation regarding the importation of ammunition, other than prohibited ammunition, cartridge magazines, other than prohibited devices, and firearm parts (barrel for firearms and slides for handguns), by an individual or non-resident are now in force.
Individuals can import these goods only if, at the time of importation, they present a valid firearms licence to a border services officer.
Exceptions: Non-residents who can demonstrate a valid purpose, at the time of the importation, are 18 years old or older and who do not hold a licence may import ammunition, other than prohibited ammunition, cartridge magazines, other than a prohibited device, or a firearm part if:
- they declare the ammunition, cartridge magazine or firearm parts at a port of entry, to a BSO and complete form RCMP 5589: NRFD
- the BSO confirms the declaration in the prescribed manner
- pay a CAN$25.00 fee
Note: A confirmed declaration (form RCMP 5589: NRFD) is valid for 60 days and has the same effect as a valid firearms licence for the purpose of importing ammunition, cartridge magazines or firearm parts.
Transporting ammunition
You may cross the Canadian border with explosives (ammunition, primers and powders) without a Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) permit if you meet the following conditions:
- the goods are for personal use, not for commercial purposes
- the goods remain with you, the person transporting them, at all times
- if applicable, small arms cartridges do not include a tracer, incendiary or similar military component or device (for example, an armour-piercing projectile)
- the quantity of the ammunition is not more than the quantity set out in the Explosives Regulations, 2013
Non-residents with a PAL or NRFD can import 200 rounds duty-free for hunting purposes, or up to 1,500 rounds duty-free for use at a recognized competition.
For more Information on NRCAN import permits refer to Memorandum D19-6-1: Import, export and in transit requirements of the Explosives Act and Regulations, or contact Natural Resources Canada.
Procedures for individuals leaving Canada with firearms
These are the procedures for individuals leaving Canada with firearms.
Exporting firearms to the United States
If you are moving 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.
Visit the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for the required import permit.
If you are leaving Canada for the US with prohibited firearms, you need to report to a CBSA office and present:
- a PAL
- a registration certificate
- a paper ATT
- 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 GAC. 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 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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