Bringing a scope to Canada

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ralphy670

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I was wondering if there are any problems with bringing a scope back from the USA? I have family in the US and they bought me a scope for my birthday. I am going down to see them soon and I would like to bring it back with me.

Any info on this is appreciated.
 
I flew one home in my luggage last December. At the Orlando airport the even opened all the bags infront of everyone. they didn't have a problem with it. I really didn't expect it to be in the bag when I got to TO, but it was.
 
Sticky

Here is the info from the Optics page, it's a sticky just in case your windering.

Here is what must be done inorder to obey the Import/Export laws of Canada & The U.S. for those who wish to order Rifle Scopes from the U.S.

Importing & Exporting into Canada

The rules have changed for exporting firearms parts into Canada. We must now get export authorization for shipping both barrels and scopes to Canada. With barrels we are required to get an export license from the U.S. State Department. In the past Canada was exempt from this requirement but we now must get the license as we do with all other foreign countries. With scopes we are also required to get export authorization but it is through the Department of Commerce.

Before we are able to apply for an export license the end user (the purchaser) must get import authorization from the Canadian government. Individual purchasers may get this authorization on their own or to avoid the paperwork you may place an order through one of the importers listed below. Here are the steps to get that paperwork:

The document is an International Import Certificate issued by;

Export Controls Division (EPE), Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Export & Import Controls Bureau
P.O. Box 481, Station "A"
Ottawa ON K1N 9K6

STEPS:

1. Obtain the paperwork from above agency
2. Complete and return paperwork
3. DFAIT will issue import paperwork
4. Importer submits paperwork (originals or certified copies) to U.S. exporter
 
Forget US

US still has good distribution network for custumer goods, however most of the stuff they sale is made abroad.
In your case you already have the scope bought. In the future it is worth looking at manufacturer pages and ordering from a distributor that is nor American
 
I've bought a couple from the states, never had an issue. They were both opened by customs. They also had "rifle scope" clearly labelled on the shipping sticker.
 
There is a difference between import into Canada and export from the US.
Getting the scope and bringing it back would involve violation of US federal law.
Some folks do it and get away with it. Some even announce that they have done it on the 'net.
Its your decision.
 
tiriaq said:
There is a difference between import into Canada and export from the US.
Getting the scope and bringing it back without getting the U.S. export permits would involve violation of US federal law.
Some folks do it and get away with it. Some even announce that they have done it on the 'net.
Its your decision.
Click to expand...


There, fixed it for you. I'm sure you didn't mean it can't be done, but that it's best to do it right.
 
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Still surprised just how many people confess to Illegal acts on an open forum??
It's illegal without a US Export permit, just because a few say they have done it, shouldn't be advise for others to try doing the same!!!!!!!!
 
Are you sure about rangefinders? I haven't read the actual regulation but I know of one retailer that happily sells and ships spotting scopes and binos to Canada but says they can't do riflescopes or rangefinders.
 
Did it the "right way" in September as per the sticky. Before I saw the sticky. Can take 20 working days ( a month ) for Canada to issue the Import Certificate. Can take 14 days for USA to issue Export Certifcate.

Had to pay the GST and a $5 Handling fee when I picked it up at the Post Office. Saved about 30% from the cheapest Canadian price I could find. And the warranty is fine one the make of scope I purchased. Not the case with all warranties when purchased from USA.

If you are not in a hurry the process is worth it. Took me less than an hour to do everything I had to do. Just takes the governments a bit of time to do waht they do.

I made an inquiry as to the length of time it was taking Canada to issue the Import Certificate ( dealer told me it took 3 days to get this, he was mistaken) and ended up speaking to a fellow from Foreign Affairs and International Trade who was very helpful and bent over back wards to keep me informed. I deal with Govt people all day and this was a pleasant surprise.
 
BTW, if you do get caught in a US EXPORT check (yes they do have them) then the scope will be confiscated, (they have the power to arrest and charge you) but more than likely you will be on your way.

HOWEVER, you will also be permanently banned from entering the US and added to their no fly lists. It happened to a member of this board (or their friend)
 
TheTooner said:
Are you sure about rangefinders? I haven't read the actual regulation but I know of one retailer that happily sells and ships spotting scopes and binos to Canada but says they can't do riflescopes or rangefinders.
Click to expand...
Some dealers won't ship to Canada at all,but I had no problem bringing in 2 Leica CRFs from Cameraland in NY. Mur
 
ebrand said:
I made an inquiry as to the length of time it was taking Canada to issue the Import Certificate ( dealer told me it took 3 days to get this, he was mistaken) and ended up speaking to a fellow from Foreign Affairs and International Trade who was very helpful and bent over back wards to keep me informed. I deal with Govt people all day and this was a pleasant surprise.
Click to expand...

I regularly get my IICs in a few days, if a business is signed up with "Excol" it is very quick to get the IIC.

DOS on the other hand can take 3 to 5 weeks and can reject an application for the stupidest reason, hence obliging you to reapply (pay again)
 
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