Steps for Importing a Firearm into Canada

  Steps for Importing a Firearm into Canada

(adapted from Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada)

Any holder of a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) may import a restricted or non-restricted firearm, depending on the limitations of their PAL. However, the U.S. controls the export of most firearms, and must issue an export license to the American exporter (Borderview International). Prior to issuing this license the U.S. government requires that the Canadian importer present a document from Canada allowing the proposed transaction. To satisfy that U.S. requirement, Canadian residents may apply for an International Import Certificate (“IIC”).

The following steps are involved in the Import / Export process:

  1. Identify the firearm model(s) to be ordered; arrange order with U.S. seller.  For new, current production models, we can usually offer a competitive quote to source the firearm directly for you. The firearm can be sent directly to our office in Seattle, Washington.  We must first send the seller a copy of our “FFL” (Federal Firearms License).
  2. Apply to International Trade Canada (ITCan) for an International Import Certificate (IIC) online by following the instructions found at this link, or by calling (613) 996-2387.  Online application is preferred, as it is faster and if you include an email address, the IIC will be delivered to you by email as a PDF, for immediate onward forwarding to the U.S. exporter (Borderview International: export@borderview.com). If a paper original is delivered, the original must be sent by mail to the exporter. There is no charge for the IIC.
  3. [for Restricted firearms only] Pre-register the firearm(s) through the Canadian Firearms Program by calling 1-800-731-4000 or online at this link. Pre-registration allows the importer to clear the firearm through the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) without any undue delay.  If the exporter will be mailing the firearm(s) to you, send a scan of the Registration Certificate to the exporter when it arrives in the mail.
  4. If the exporter will be mailing the firearm(s) to you, send a color scan of your PAL to export@borderview.com, which will be included with other Customs documents on the package.
  5. Borderview International will attach their copy of the IIC to their application for an export license. In the U.S., applications for shotguns are administered by the Department of Commerce and for all other firearms are administered by the Department of State.  Expect this process to take up to 4-6 weeks.
  6. Once the U.S. export license is issued, the U.S. exporter may then send the firearm to Canada (along with the documents referenced above for CBSA).
  7. The Canadian importer is responsible for declaring the value of the firearm to Canada Customs and for ensuring that all safe storage and safe transportation regulations are observed.
  8. Within 30 days of arrival in Canada, the importer must have the firearm verified and such verification confirmed with the Canada Firearms Centre. [Note: in many cases, CFP agents will now do verification over the phone during the Registration process]

Adapted from http://www.international.gc.ca/controls-controles/firearms_armes_a_feu/other-autres/index.aspx?lang=eng#n1.  Accessed 01/25/2012.

  Steps for Importing a Firearm into Canada – Borderview LLC