Taking a handgun to and back to Canada

madcow

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This post is for those that travel to the USA for pistol competitions, I have confirmed from GAC that we will not need an export permit unless the fireare is prohibited. As for importation, you WILL need an import permit. This permit will be $10-$30 depending on the value of the firearm, per visit at the point of entry back into Canada, even my contact said it was a cash grab. The permit will be valid for a period of 29 days.
Following is the information I recieved;

As per our discussion yesterday over the phone, the following is what is required to temporarily export and return your firearms to and from the US:
1) As the firearms you are exporting are restricted and the destination is the US, you are able to utilise General Export Permit #47 ( GEP 47). You do not have to apply for this permit, you simply write down “GEP 47” in your export declaration document under “permit number”.

2) Ensure that you have all appropriate US import permits/documents

3) Approximately 10 business days prior to the temporary export, apply for an import permit for the return of your firearms by completing form #1466 (attached). Please note:
a. In section 17, you must enter the 4 digit code of the border crossing you will be returning to Canada from. A listing can be found here: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/.../services/hwyb-autof-eng.html (if the website shows only 3 digits, simply add a “0” at the beginning of the number.
b. Section 19 &20 is going to be your return date or estimated return date – the permit is valid for 29 days of your stated shipment date.
c. Section 21 – I would highly suggest selecting email as the distribution method as that is the quickest
d. Section 23 &24, see attached commodity code list and descriptions. Select one per line item/description (i.e. if you have multiple revolvers, you only need one line item with a higher quantity and total value).
e. Section 29 & 30 are not required for firearm import permit application – leave blank.
f. Section 31 is your US issued ATF permit number.
g. Section 36-41 , you will be the “supplier” as they are your personal firearms.

4) You will also have to provide a copy of your Firearms Licence (PAL), front and back, and a copy of your firearm registration. You may send these as attachments with your application via email to the EXCOL Helpdesk (excol-ceed.tia@international.gc.ca).

5) As Import Permits are currently processed via the NEICS system and you are not a recognised Canadian Broker, a processing fee is charged for the permit after issuance. If you have not already completed one in the past, please fill out and send the completed form to cashiersoffice@international.gc.ca - The fees are based on the value of the import: https://www.international.gc.ca/.../imp_fees-droits-imp...
If usually only take 24-48 hours to process an import permit application provided all supporting documents are present.
 
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Thanks for the info Madcow.

This process is nothing but a load of bureaucratic red tape and hassle for which you also get the privilege to pay for. It will do zero except put law abiding people off attempting such things and the cynic in me feels that is at least part of the plan.

I have noticed a marked decline in shooting sports of all stripes since the latest politically driven assault on legal firearms owners. Numbers have taken a huge haircut and I am willing to bet that the number of people attempting to cross the border to do so will plummet. Lets face it - if they wont turn up for a local match which does not have any of this nonsense the chances of them crossing the border and running the gauntlet trying to navigate their legally owned equipment through the sea of government folks (who are probably new to the legislation too so may not be totally up to speed) is slim.

I would be happy to be proved wrong on this.

By contrast Johnny criminal will not trouble themselves with permits / paperwork / processing fees - never have, never will.

Rant over.
 
I'll bet a large double double no one working the booth at any land crossing knows or cares about this BS.

The redundancy is redundant... Unbelievable.
 
I'll bet a large double double no one working the booth at any land crossing knows or cares about this BS.

The redundancy is redundant... Unbelievable.

a booth guy or gal will just send you for a secondary ... and these "public servants" will gut you and your car and all your belongings ...

because you are not criminal, those are "untouchables" and get free pass ... most of them, anyway ..
 
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I'll bet a large double double no one working the booth at any land crossing knows or cares about this BS.

The redundancy is redundant... Unbelievable.

Or worse still, they know a little about it and then "play safe" - ie you get to sit around at the border for an extended period while they figure out what is required and finally validate that you have it all.

The criminals must be laughing their asses off.
 
Or worse still, they know a little about it and then "play safe" - ie you get to sit around at the border for an extended period while they figure out what is required and finally validate that you have it all.

The criminals must be laughing their asses off.

that was the case even before this new "safety" measures ...
 
that was the case even before this new "safety" measures ...

I dont doubt that but like every extra layer of confusing and illogical paperwork that the government adds it only serves to muddy the waters some more for the average law abiding Joe.

Criminals - not so much.
 
I generally have about 26 firearms listed on my Form 6NIA when my wife and I compete down south. Doesn't look like international travel is in my future, unless we get a government that believes in common sense.
 
that was the case even before this new "safety" measures ...

Not really...
Returning to Canada many times over the years.. Sent to secondary maybe three/four times. Only twice were cases opened and guns checked...
Whole situation devolved into a show and tell to curious CBSA guys...:d
 
Thanks for posting this Madcow ! It’s exactly what a few of us have been talking about lately . The shooting competitions in our neck of the woods ( Chilliwack B.C. ) have been flourishing this year with pretty much all matches selling out for IDPA , Speed Steel , Revolver Competitions and 2 Gun matches . A handful of us are considering taking our mag changing skills south for the fun of it.
 
Thanks for this! Been wondering what to do with this latest crapola!

I was wondering if you are just taking ammo down south with no guns and have a Form 6 with the ammo already approved by US, what if any consequences?
 
You win. I crossed the border (Pacific Hwy, Blaine/Surrey) on Monday at Midnight. Dude had no clue. Told me they had no info or directions from Ottawa. A buddy of mine crossed today, same thing. Problem is we are all raining this up, and as we are doing so they (CBSA) are noticing. In a week or two they will get their act together. Unfortunately.
 
Thanks for this! Been wondering what to do with this latest crapola!

I was wondering if you are just taking ammo down south with no guns and have a Form 6 with the ammo already approved by US, what if any consequences?

I don't think you can just take ammo without a gun with a form6
 
For those younger members that are not familiar with the good old days.

I still remember going back and forth for competition and bringing back powder, primers, bullets, you name it without a hitch.

There really was a time when people were normal.

Out of control liberalism needs to be reversed, not just stopped.
 
This post is for those that travel to the USA for pistol competitions, I have confirmed from GAC that we will not need an export permit unless the fireare is prohibited. As for importation, you WILL need an import permit. This permit will be $10-$30 depending on the value of the firearm, per visit at the point of entry back into Canada, even my contact said it was a cash grab. The permit will be valid for a period of 29 days.
Following is the information I recieved;

As per our discussion yesterday over the phone, the following is what is required to temporarily export and return your firearms to and from the US:
1) As the firearms you are exporting are restricted and the destination is the US, you are able to utilise General Export Permit #47 ( GEP 47). You do not have to apply for this permit, you simply write down “GEP 47” in your export declaration document under “permit number”.

2) Ensure that you have all appropriate US import permits/documents

3) Approximately 10 business days prior to the temporary export, apply for an import permit for the return of your firearms by completing form #1466 (attached). Please note:
a. In section 17, you must enter the 4 digit code of the border crossing you will be returning to Canada from. A listing can be found here: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/.../services/hwyb-autof-eng.html (if the website shows only 3 digits, simply add a “0” at the beginning of the number.
b. Section 19 &20 is going to be your return date or estimated return date – the permit is valid for 29 days of your stated shipment date.
c. Section 21 – I would highly suggest selecting email as the distribution method as that is the quickest
d. Section 23 &24, see attached commodity code list and descriptions. Select one per line item/description (i.e. if you have multiple revolvers, you only need one line item with a higher quantity and total value).
e. Section 29 & 30 are not required for firearm import permit application – leave blank.
f. Section 31 is your US issued ATF permit number.
g. Section 36-41 , you will be the “supplier” as they are your personal firearms.

4) You will also have to provide a copy of your Firearms Licence (PAL), front and back, and a copy of your firearm registration. You may send these as attachments with your application via email to the EXCOL Helpdesk (excol-ceed.tia@international.gc.ca).

5) As Import Permits are currently processed via the NEICS system and you are not a recognised Canadian Broker, a processing fee is charged for the permit after issuance. If you have not already completed one in the past, please fill out and send the completed form to cashiersoffice@international.gc.ca - The fees are based on the value of the import: https://www.international.gc.ca/.../imp_fees-droits-imp...
If usually only take 24-48 hours to process an import permit application provided all supporting documents are present.

Thank you for taking the time to research this and thank you for sharing this.
 
For those younger members that are not familiar with the good old days.

I still remember going back and forth for competition and bringing back powder, primers, bullets, you name it without a hitch.

There really was a time when people were normal.

Out of control liberalism needs to be reversed, not just stopped.

This guy ^^^^^^^ gets my vote!
 
First off, thank you for the leg work!

The links OP posted didn't work for me, they seem to be truncated.
Here is what I came up with after some search:
https://www.international.gc.ca/controls-controles/systems-systemes/prd-dpe/appendix-b_3-annexe.aspx?lang=eng
https://www.international.gc.ca/controls-controles/about-a_propos/impor/imp_fees-droits-imp.aspx?lang=eng
 
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