Bringing Scopes Into Canada

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jamiebigcat

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I am going to Maine this summer on a shopping trip and might consider purchasing a scope if I see one for the right price. Can I get the paperwork done in advance and use it to bring the scope across the border ? Is the paperwork for any scope purchased from any location or do you have to fill in specifics when applying for the import paperwork? :confused: Thanks
 
You could get a IIC from DFAIT, send it to your supplier, (a business licenced for exporting), who would then apply to US DOS for an export permit for the scope. Once the export is approved, you would be good to go.
 
I called the Canadian side of the Boarder Crossing where I live. They said that I can just bring one across.

I'm not saying its right. But thats what I might have done.:ninja:
 
why would you need a permit to bring a scope over? its like bringing over binoculars. as long as you arent bringing over firearms weapons or ammunition you shouldnt have to worry
 
I called the Canadian side of the Boarder Crossing where I live. They said that I can just bring one across.

I'm not saying its right. But thats what I might have done.
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Of course by not contacting the proper USA authorities, you are ignoring the USA export laws.
 
"...the Boarder Crossing..." The what?
"...why would you need a permit..." Because the U.S. government has decided they don't want terrs using American made scopes. Hence, you need a U.S. State Dept export permit.
 
i bought a scope on ebay, from the u.s, and it shipped to me no problem. just bring it over and forget to tell them
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If by chance you run into a Homeland Security check stop, and they discover that you are trying to take a riflescope out of the USA without a permit,they will seize the scope, and it will likely be your last trip to the USA.
 
uchi said:
just bring it over and forget to tell them ;)
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This would be breaking laws, and could cost you some serious problems. Seize your car, and everything in it. Banned from the US. Not even allowed to fly over US airspace. These are probably extremes, but it is possible.

There was actually a guy on here who just went through all this and I believe he got everything confiscated and a days worth of BS.

Regardless what you are suggesting above is against the law, and suggesting illegal activity is against forum rules.

:HR:
 
i was joking no harm done, thus the ;)

the rule is pretty stupid, its a scope, its some metal a little plastic and some glass. not like someone is trying to bring over a bomb. the americans and their laws, they truly are retarded at times :)
 
Without the proper EXPORT permits, you could be deemed a terrorist or an enemy of the state. To them it is not just a metal tube, some plastic and a few lenses, it is an optical aiming device that attaches to a firearm that could be used to harm US citizens. I don't understand why people don't get this, and WHY would someone want to buy from the US? I would rather buy all my gear from a Canadian retailer, it supports our economy and the TAXES you pay support our social programs.
 
uchi said:
i was joking no harm done, thus the ;)

the rule is pretty stupid, its a scope, its some metal a little plastic and some glass. not like someone is trying to bring over a bomb. the americans and their laws, they truly are retarded at times :)
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And here I thought it was a sly wink, encouraging someone to violate US federal law while in the US. Using an Ebay seller who is ignorant of, or prepared to violate US federal law is safer.:rolleyes:
 
Hey when i bought mine i didn't know about the law. I don't think the Americans realize we have scopes here too. The same ones they have. Oh well to Hell with them :)
 
At the end of the day, you need to look closely at what you are actually saving vs. the risk you are facing and the cost you will be facing down the road.

While Canada Customs does not care, US Customs does and if you should get caught, the fines can be severe. Also, be aware that at best you will still be paying the respective US State taxes, and at worst you will be paying US State taxes, HST and duty: which can run to an additional combined total of over 20%.

Beyond that, you will be facing warranty/service issues down the road; in short, most Canadian distributors/dealers will not absorb any costs associated with the shipping/handling/warranty of your scope and you will be facing longer lead times.

Why not see if a Canadian dealer can match the price?
 
uchi said:
i bought a scope on ebay, from the u.s, and it shipped to me no problem. just bring it over and forget to tell them ;)
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"You are not obliged to say anything, but anything you do say can be used as evidence. Do you understand?"

Do you understand? Illegal is illegal. You want to play chicken with the BATFE and DHS?
 
between the two countries myopic gun laws -you can't even bring an air rifle back.Just not worth the hassle,or sweating at the border wondering what they are going to ask you.At the best you're risking being interogated and tied up for hours by some anti gun zealot.I'm getting too old for that.Truth is-they rarely catch the REAL criminals smuggling shipments in -ordinary guys saving a few bucks are a much easier target
 
jamiebigcat said:
I am going to Maine this summer on a shopping trip and might consider purchasing a scope if I see one for the right price. Can I get the paperwork done in advance and use it to bring the scope across the border ? Is the paperwork for any scope purchased from any location or do you have to fill in specifics when applying for the import paperwork? :confused: Thanks
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Getting back to the original question, there's a post on this:

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=130572

which says in part:

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

Thx to Crazy Davey for this info.


It's not impossible to do, but it's more work.

And actually, could be an interesting exercise to jump through the hoops to bring a scope back legally.

With all due respect to Cdn merchants, it is a little annoying to pay 2x what something costs in the U.S., especially with our dollar where it is.
 
The catch is going to be to find a US exporter who is not going to pass along the cost for the export permit. IICs are issued at no charge. The US permit is not. For example, Brownells will do the paperwork at their end. But, the charge is $250 or 3% of the order, whichever is greater.
On a volume dealer order, this cost can be spread around. On a one-off personal order it can be punitive.
 
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