Taking Pistols from Canada to Europe

[SQUAREHEAD1]

Hello guys,
If one was planning a move to Europe, is there any possible way of taking handguns with you? I know it’s probably a long drawn out headache, but is it possible?
Thanks to anyone that can give me some advice,

hope you are all having a fantastic week!

 

[Phat Eagle]

Destination probably makes a big difference... Many EU countries have very strict internal rules against handguns; others (like Czechia) are more permissive.

 

[KotKotofeich]

Depends on the country. Where are you thinking? I know some dealers from Europe shop at out auctions so one of them could help you, but you most likely have to go through a dealer and ship as opposed to taking them in your luggage - personal imports are no go in most places (CZ, PL and UK all this way). CIP markings may be required etc etc...

 

[medvedqc]

i was not able to bring mine from europe to canada and i doubt as an individual you can do it. unless you have already the possession paper in the new country and you have a double registration and a carrier can ship it for you: it is not happening sorry for your loss.

 

[KotKotofeich]

^ I've brought a handgun from Germany... And a friend on a UN posting in Europe brought a few back from there... Only reason I can think of why you could not is if it was prohibited (and soon to be completely blocked, but we are talking about the past) So I think it's more of a 'sorry for _your_ loss not his' Pretty sure he'll be ok, might not want to go through because of the expense, but that's a different story.

 

[bertn]

Have you looked at prices there?

Where I'm from handguns are substantially cheaper than here so likely easier to sell here now prices are high and buy new to you guns on the other side of the pond.

 

[Wendell]

If one was planning a move to Europe, is there any possible way of taking handguns with you? I know it’s probably a long drawn out headache, but is it possible?

Yes, it's possible, depending upon the country (or countries'), with the right permits.

At a minimum, you'd require an export permit (from Global Affairs Canada).

<https://www.international.gc.ca/controls-controles/firearms_armes_a_feu/index.aspx?lang=eng>

<https://www.international.gc.ca/controls-controles/firearms_armes_a_feu/other-autres/license-demande.aspx?lang=eng>

 

[SQUAREHEAD1]

Thanks guys, appreciate all the info!

 

[medvedqc]

Yes, it's possible, depending upon the country (or countries'), with the right permits.

At a minimum, you'd require an export permit (from Global Affairs Canada).

<https://www.international.gc.ca/controls-controles/firearms_armes_a_feu/index.aspx?lang=eng>

<https://www.international.gc.ca/controls-controles/firearms_armes_a_feu/other-autres/license-demande.aspx?lang=eng>

canada may let you go but what about the other side?

all the rifle i had from europe when we moved had a cip proof stamp. i doubt the ones coming from the states has one and that is soomething i just think about. so it is better to check with the destination country about it. nothing worst than having an handgun blown during the test for proof stamp.

 

[Slavex]

Unless things have changed, bringing in your own guns does not require European proofing for most Euro countries there are exemptions for that.

 

[medvedqc]

Unless things have changed, bringing in your own guns does not require European proofing for most Euro countries there are exemptions for that.

we had to proof some firearms from ex yuglsavia despite they were members of the cip. i ve seen the shots proof done in st etienne, it will depend where the firearms are coming originally (where they were built).

 

[Wendell]

Canada may let you go but what about the other side?

In my experience, before Canada permitted the exportation Canada has required the applicant to prove that 'the other side' has allowed the importation. And I think that is standard procedure.