I was wondering if anyone has bought a scope in the USA and brought it back to Canada with them. A friend of mine did it a few weeks ago and didnt get any hassles at the border, I then called my cousin who is a border agent and he told me that if it is not on the restricted list then Canada does not care. Does anyone have any experience with this? The difference in the prices are pretty attractive and I am considering it because I really dont want to darken the door of WSS locally. Thanks
Importing Rifle Scope
- Thread starter bordr69
- Start date
I've been looking into this the last few days....it seems that only optics built to a military specification cannot be exported without a permit. The problem with this is that nobody can say what scopes are built to these specs or not....so its taking a chance with your cash. Might be ok, might not.
Same thing really...get caught with a milspec scope and no export papers (in one of those pre-border spot checks that seem to be showing up more frequently) and see how nasty things get for you...as most will tell you...why chance it for the relatively small savings?...the alternative is really unpleasant.
- Location
- Sudbury, On
The US Border people tend to take the definition pretty harshly. Lots of stories on CGN of Bushnell Banners (and the like) being seized. Can't let that OPSEC, top-secret USMC gear out of the country, ya' know. 
MilSpec scopes, US Department of State controlled.
Sporting scopes, US Department of Commerce controlled.
Export authorization needed for either.
Exporting could be mail, hand carry or homing pigeon. Still export.
CBSA will be happy to collect taxes. Don't confuse importing into Canada with exporting from the US.
You cannot get a US export licence.
Sporting scopes, US Department of Commerce controlled.
Export authorization needed for either.
Exporting could be mail, hand carry or homing pigeon. Still export.
CBSA will be happy to collect taxes. Don't confuse importing into Canada with exporting from the US.
You cannot get a US export licence.
If you are caught EXPORTING a scope from the US without the permits, count on being banned from ever entering the US again. They consider you a smuggler of controlled military (ITAR) equipment. There are random US EXIT checks at most border crossings.
Midway USA was fined $330k for exporting 250 scopes without permits, and Zeiss USA was fined $10k for exporting 10 scopes to Zeiss Canada. And this was a number of years ago, when the rules weren't being as stringently enforced.
Midway USA was fined $330k for exporting 250 scopes without permits, and Zeiss USA was fined $10k for exporting 10 scopes to Zeiss Canada. And this was a number of years ago, when the rules weren't being as stringently enforced.
Yes, getting it shipped and carrying it yourself are different. If you get it shipped without the correct export permits the shipper will be in trouble with U.S. authorities if they catch it, and they will probably do nothing to you except put your name on a computer file somewhere and it may or may not come up if you ever go to the U.S. or try to have any cross-border dealings.
If you are carrying it into Canada yourself without proper U.S. export permits when the U.S. authorities find it you are actually in their hands and there will be nothing but their whims of the moment to determine whether they prosecute you.
But one thing is the same either way: if they catch it, you don't get the scope or your money back.
Aparently it doesn't matter what type of scope it is. I had ordered a crappy NcStar scope from the states and there is green "Home Land Security" tape all over it with a nice note inside my $140 empty box stating that everything was siezed and here is your empty box so you can't even get your money refunded.
The the outfit you bought it from fill out all the exporting permits/forms?
If not, then that's what should have happened.
Outfits like opticsplanet.com will apparently fill out all the exporting paper for you, not sure if they charge extra for it.
I've priced it out a bunch of time, with duty, cdn taxes, etc. you're not saving that much in the end, not to mention supporting US instead of CDN stores.
Aparently it doesn't matter what type of scope it is. I had ordered a crappy NcStar scope from the states and there is green "Home Land Security" tape all over it with a nice note inside my $140 empty box stating that everything was siezed and here is your empty box so you can't even get your money refunded.
Good thing it wasn't a Nightforce!
Do you know if there was any fallout for the sender?
- Location
- Sudbury, On
That box is frikken' priceless!
The same thing can happen to any of us that attempts to import scopes from the US without the proper export permits,whether it is by mail or in person.It matters not that Canada does not regulate import.Buy in Canada. Mur
- Location
- Sudbury, On
I've always wondered, for a country with a nearly non-existent manufacturing base, they sure seem to like shooting themselves in the foot!
Thats why midway hates us and won't send any goodies our way.....controlled or not.
No they never did fill out the proper paper work even though I called them and payed extra fee just so they would. I payed via (FRAUD ALERT) so I could cover myself just incase this would happen. (FRAUD ALERT) just told me to bad for you and the other company won't talk to me wether via e-mail or phone. Also Mur I wished Canadain company's would have carried this product but unfortunatly they don't.
