I'm looking at optics for some of my firearms, and in the states, it looks to be 30% cheaper, with shipping maybe 25%. Are optics allowed to cross the border without any importing paperwork or anything? Like would it be like just ordering anything off ebay or do you need special papers for optics? I can understand mags needing documentation, but I wasn't sure on optics. Anyone with experience?
Ordering optics from the US
- Thread starter mtlcruisin
- Start date
I've never had a problem recieving scopes from the States, when I've bought from venders on E-Bay.
Other than a high brokerage fee, on one item.
At least a dozen made it across the border, with no hassles. None held back or confiscated.
Others will tell you different, however.
Other than a high brokerage fee, on one item.
At least a dozen made it across the border, with no hassles. None held back or confiscated.
Others will tell you different, however.
If the package is tagged on the US side, you will lose it. Scopes are regulated for export from the US, by either US DOS or US DOC, depending on the scope. This is an export from the US issue, not import into Canada.
Midway got caught having exported some 500 scopes without export authorization, and was fined some $1000 per. Paid half, balance left hanging over them to guarantee compliance.
Midway got caught having exported some 500 scopes without export authorization, and was fined some $1000 per. Paid half, balance left hanging over them to guarantee compliance.
Some optics are ITAR controlled, some are not. The way it is written is if it is a military optic (loosely defined as having range finding capabilities) then it is controlled. If you know exactly which optic you want, contact the US Dept of Commerce and they will confirm if that specific item is ITAR controlled or not.
What he said. Optics are like ammo, we can bring it back according to Canadian law, but if the US border agents stop you they will smash it over a barrel right in front of you. This is if you are driving across anyways. I am not sure about ordering online and having it shipped here. I think most companies would say that they do not ship to Canada though.
Great to know there may be some scope that can be exported from US to Canada without export license. I thought ITAR prohibited all scopes for export without proper license. Now just need to contact US Dept of Commerce and find out if I can bring back the scope I wanted!
