D19-13-2, Importing and Exporting Firearms, Weapons and Devices

May 29, 2019

This memorandum outlines how tariff item 9898.00.00 of the Customs Tariff, the Criminal Code, the Firearms Act, and the Export and Import Permits Act relate to the importing and exporting of firearms, firearm parts, weapons, devices, and certain types of ammunition.

The Government of Canada is committed to effective firearms and weapons control that targets criminals and at the same time maintains the highest standards of public safety. Firearms and weapons are high-risk commodities that can impact the safety, security and welfare of Canadians. It is the policy of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to control the flow of firearms, weapons and other devices, in order to ensure compliance by all stakeholders with existing laws, regulations and orders and seek to interdict the illegal and unjustified crossing of firearms and weapons across the border; while also streamlining the process for low-risk and law-abiding persons travelling with legitimate purposes and with the required documentation.

This memorandum replaces Memorandum D19-13-2 dated November 3, 2016. The following changes were made:

(a) Receiver blank has been added to the list of definitions. Receiver blanks may be considered a controlled firearm.
(b) The definition of “in transit” has been updated to reflect legislative changes.
(c) The definition of a centrifugal knife has been updated to reflect Canadian International Trade Tribunal decision CITT AP-2017-012.
(d) Information on airsoft velocity range for importation has been added.
(e) Registration of non-restricted firearms is now mandatory for residents of the province of Quebec.
(f) Information on refunds for the Non-Resident Firearms Declaration has been added.
(g) Information on the importation of firearms by armoured vehicle guards has been added to the Other Modalities for Importing Firearms section.
(h) The personal exemptions for explosives have been updated to reflect legislative changes.
(i) Clarification on the permit/licence requirements for the commercial importation of ammunition has been added.
(j) Information on the permanent exportation of registered firearms has been changed.

This memorandum is available in its entirety on the CBSA website.


Accessible to: 
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Topic(s): 
Acts, Regulations, Policies & Decisions / Departmental Memoranda (D-memos)
Information Source: 
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Document Type: 
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