Exporting from USA and Importing into Canada......

[Dantforth]

Has anyone done the research? My question is this.....an air rifle which is classed as a firearm here, greater than the 495fps maximum.......do US export regulations forbid it being exported or is it similar to muzzle loading firearms which are exempt from export regs?? The second part to the question is " if you have a PAL can this be imported into Canada legally?" David

 

[mildot]

I think that you would be right in your assumption, since I do not believe that an "air rifle" is considered a firearm in the US, therefore would not fall under the ITAR umbrella. All that's required at the time of import is a PAL, make sure to have some evidence with respect to the rifles FPS, either via the factory or Chrono results. Without "verifiable" evidence determining the rifles status can be " subjective" at the time of entry YMMV.

 

[ricksplace]

I just imported two rifles from the USA to Canada. While it is legal to do so, many of the companies will not ship a PAL-rated airgun to Canada(I couldn't find any). I live in Thunder Bay, which is about 45km from the Canada-USA border. I ship the rifle to my USA shipping address, pick it up and declare it at the border. Went in and showed them my PAL, paid the hst and off I went. Customs did not even look at or in the box. As for Homeland Security, an airgun in the state of Minnesota is a non-firearm and therefore a non-issue for homeland security. Check the appropriate state laws. In my research, I found that some states have a 700 fps "limit" on airguns. While I am unsure, I would think that an airgun with a muzzle velocity of 1000fps would be regarded as a firearm, and therefore under the jurisdiction of homeland security. I didn't go any further in my research since Minnesota law lets me do my import thing. All this is just my opinion. If you do this and get crapped on by homeland security, don't go blaming me. I suggest you call USA customs, tell them what you want to do and ask them if that makes you a criminal.

Canada Customs asked me a few questions about silencers. I imported a Crosman Fury that is advertised as having a muzzle brake. It is simply a cocking handle. There are a few threads on here that talk about silencers on air rifles. I only bring this up because it seemed to be an issue for Canada Customs. Customs Officers were excellent and just doing their job. When I handed the Pyramid Air receipt to the Customs Officer, he immediately went to the Pyramid Air website and looked up the fps rating to determine if it was a PAL-rated gun. Gotta say, everything went so smoothly, I was out of there in under 5 minutes.

 

[mbogo3]

Some States are different like Michigan I believe they even have caliber restrictions?Most airguns are not guns.Harold

 

[jzmtl]

States may have restriction on air guns, but they are still not classified as firearm, which only the federal govt can do I believe.

Going to pick up a Benjamin discovery package next time I'm in US, over $150 cheaper than in Canada...

 

[sunray]

"...As for Homeland Security..." Federal and do not work for or care what Minnesota's laws say. Nor do U.S. Federal export laws have anything to do with what is or is not a firearm according any State.
"...if you have a PAL..." That's the only part that is important. Customs will tell you what they require. Usually just money.

 

[nemesisincanada]

However, if a state designates the Air rifle as firearm, you could be in violation of state law if you acquire it without correct residency requirements.

 

[gunsaholic]

Just clarifying. I am under the assumption that an air rifle that is over 495fps in Canada is considered a firearm. Am I understanding it correctly that ,even though it's regarded as a firearm in Canada, you can buy one in Minnesota and just show your pal to customs and you can bring it into the country after paying whatever tax? So if it's regarded as a firearm, could you also buy a rifle or shotgun and bring it back by just showing your pal? If so, what is all the talk of needing an importer with a license that allows them to export/import firrearms? If you can't do that with a rifle or shotgun, then why the difference between them and an air gun that's considered a firearm. Or are you guys bringing in air guns that are under 495fps?

I think I figured out my own answer, duh! A non citizen can't be in possession of a firearm (modern rifle or shotgun) in the US but airguns aren't considered a firearm there (most states).

 

[WolfyW]

If you are personally bringing an over-500 fps airgun into Canada from the US, you just need to declare it and have a PAL. You may be asked the value of the airgun.