Importing Firearms

Before you attempt to import a firearm or weapon, you should contact the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000.

In general, the following requirements apply to the importation of firearms:
  • You must be at least 18 years of age.
  • You cannot import prohibited firearms, weapons or devices, including silencers and replica firearms, switchblades and other weapons.
  • The process for bringing ordinary hunting rifles and shotguns into Canada is relatively simple and usually involves filing a form in advance and making a declaration at the border.

You must declare all weapons and firearms at the CBSA port of entry or they will be seized and you may be subject to arrest.

How to Declare Firearms and Weapons

When you enter Canada, you must declare all firearms and weapons to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). If you do not, they may be seized 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. For more information about Canada’s firearms laws, a specific firearm, weapon, device and/or applicable fees, contact the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000

You may also want to speak to the Chief Firearms Officer of the province you are planning to visit. For general assistance, please contact the Border Information Service (BIS).

Prohibited Weapons and Devices

Visitors to Canada or residents of Canada cannot import prohibited weapons or devices. Additional information regarding prohibited weapons and devices:

To view a complete list of prohibited weapons or devices, please visit the CBSA website.

Procedures for Individuals Importing Firearms

Declare all firearms to a border services officer when you arrive at the border, 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 bringing the firearm into Canada, 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, at his or her discretion, may 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 have not been truthful, or if the officer believes that you should not bring the firearm into Canada, the CBSA can detain it. If you did not declare the firearm, the CBSA will seize it, and you may face criminal charges.

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

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
  • 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

For additional information about the import and export of firearms, please click here.