Applying for an Export Permit for Firearms, Related Goods and Ammunition

An Export Permit, if issued, states the name of the applicant, exporter and consignee(s), the item description, quantity and value of the items, and the conditions and criteria that apply to use the permit. To be approved, a permit application must include relevant documentation that supports the proposed export. The conditions and criteria set out on the permit may establish a validity period, set reporting requirements and indicate the number of shipments allowed (e.g. single or multiple).

The following guidelines relate to applications to export firearms, their related goods and ammunition.

General Notes and Tips for Preparing a Permit Application

1. Exporters are advised to apply well in advance (at least 6 weeks from departure/shipping date) in order to allow sufficient time for processing and review.

2. Before starting a permit application, applicants should have the following information available:

  • Firearms licence number (whether a business or an individual).
  • Registration certificate number for the firearm to be exported.
  • The following information for each firearm:
    • Make
    • Model
    • Type
    • Action
    • Calibre
    • Barrel Length
    • Serial Number and
    • Legal Classification (non-restricted, restricted, or prohibited).
    If using the online application, drop-down menus are available in some fields from which the applicable information may be selected. Serial number ranges may be indicated if consecutively numbered firearms are to be exported. Firearms manufacturers may contact the Export Controls Division for more information
  • Descriptions of firearms-related goods include silencers, special gun mountings, clips (magazines), weapons sights and flash suppressors.
  • If cartridge magazines are proposed for export, the magazine capacity, the model of firearm and calibre for which the magazine is intended (this is required in order to determine whether the item is a prohibited device under Canadian law).
  • If ammunition is proposed for export, ensure that the noted unit value correctly reflects the unit of measure used, e.g. value per box if box is used, value per cartridge if cartridges are used as the unit of measure.

3. Exporters should be aware of Canada's Export Control List (ECL) as outlined in the Guide to Canada's Export Controls (PDF*, 1.22 MB), in particular Group 2.

  • Firearms, their components and certain accessories are controlled under ECL Item 2-1 and 2-2;
  • Ammunition and related items are controlled under under ECL 2-3; and
  • firearms-related goods including technology may be controlled elsewhere in Group 2.

4. We recommend that clients apply for permits to export firearms by using the Export Controls Online (EXCOL) website. This is a secure internet site. Electronic copies of supporting documents should be attached to the Application Documents tab using pdf, jpg, msg, or html file formats.

5. If applying by paper application, please fill in both Form EXT 1042 (PDF*, 92 KB) for general applicant, exporter and consignee information, and list the firearms on Form EXT 1042-2 (PDF*, 115 KB), while firearm-related goods (such as magazines, scopes, etc.) and ammunition must be entered on Form EXT1042-1 (PDF*, 96 KB). These forms are available from the EXCOL website. Forms that are not legible may be returned without action.

6. The consignee is the person or entity who will receive the goods after they leave Canada. Please note that a consignee must have an address listed on the permit that is outside Canada. Permit applications that list a Canadian address for the final consignee cannot be processed and may be returned without action.

7. Every applicant is assigned a unique Export Import Control Bureau (EICB) identification number by the Export Controls Division when they make their first application for a permit or certificate. This number will be used as your identifier on all future applications. Including this information on future applications will reduce processing and data entry times. Only duly established businesses need to provide Business Numbers (also known as GST Numbers).

8. When entering telephone/fax numbers on your application, use a dash between each set of numbers, for example, our general enquiries line would be written as 613-996-2387.

9. Canadian exporters should be aware of the firearms laws of the destination country. In order to prevent any disappointment or delays, it is strongly recommended that these requirements be thoroughly researched before booking any transport arrangements involving firearms.

10. If firearms transit a third country on the way to their final destination, whether they are in the possession and control of the owner or are being shipped separately, they may be subject to special requirements imposed by that third country. It is the exporters’ responsibility to be aware of and comply with any such requirements.

Export Permit Requirements for Firearms

Exports to the United States

Both temporary and permanent exports of either Restricted or Non-Restricted firearms to the US may be made without obtaining an export permit.

All exports of Prohibited firearms to any destination, including the US, must be authorized in advance with an export permit.

For all types of firearms, prior to entry into the US, a US import permit must have been issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).

  • For temporary imports into the US, Canadian applicants must complete Form 6NIA (ATF F 5330.3D), Application and Permit for Temporary Importation of Firearms and Ammunition by Non-immigrant Aliens. It can take up to 12 weeks to process an application, so it is advisable to apply for a permit well in advance.
  • For permanent imports into the US, Form 6 (ATF F 5330.3A) must be completed.

Applications to export Prohibited firearms to the US must include a copy of the US import permit that specifically identifies the firearm to be exported. Additional supporting documentation, such as a cover letter, registration certification for the firearm(s) in question and valid firearms licence, must be included in the export permit application, as described above in the General Notes.

Exports to Countries Other than the United States

In general, both temporary and permanent exports of either Restricted, Non-Restricted, or Prohibited firearms to countries other than the United States must be authorized in advance with an export permit.

Exception: Permanent exports of Restricted and Non-Restricted firearms that were temporarily imported into Canada by individuals who are non-residents of Canada and are returning to the country from which they came from do not require Canadian export permits. However, all such visitors must have a valid Non-Resident Firearm Declaration (CAFC909) for the duration of their stay in Canada.

Other Requirements

Individual visitors who are non-residents of Canada and who wish to leave a firearm in Canada permanently must pay duties and taxes and have it registered in Canada. If the firearm is sold or otherwise transferred to a Canadian resident, the parties must meet all legal requirements associated with transferring firearms.

Please note that visitors cannot, under any circumstances, import or export Prohibited firearms.

Canadian exporters are required to report the permanent export of all firearms to the Canada Firearms Centre. It is recommended that copies of the Export Permit, foreign import authorisation and any waybill issued by the carrier be provided to the Canada Firearms Centre to support the exporter’s claim of permanent export. A photocopy of the foreign import authorisation should be included with the package when shipped.

Additional Considerations

If the firearm, ammunition, or firearms-related goods or technology that you propose to export are items that are “controlled goods” as defined in Part 2 of the Defence Production Act (DPA), then registration under the Controlled Goods Program may be required. “Controlled goods” are listed in Groups 2, 6 or item 5504 of the Export Control List, (ECL). These include the following firearms or firearms-related goods:

  • prohibited firearms (as defined in paragraph (c) of the definition of “prohibited firearm” in subsection 84(1) of the Criminal Code) that are included in ECL Item 2-1 ("Smooth-bore weapons with a calibre of less than 20 mm, other arms and automatic weapons with a calibre of 12.7 mm (calibre 0.50 inches) or less and accessories, as follows, and specially designed components therefor");
  • any goods listed in ECL Items 2-2 ("Smooth-bore weapons with a calibre of 20 mm or more, other weapons or armament with a calibre greater than 12.7 mm (calibre 0.50 inches), projectors and accessories, as follows, and specially designed components therefor"); and
  • ammunition with a calibre of greater than 12.7mm that is included in ECL Item 2-3.

Under Section 3(2) of the Export Permits Regulations (EPR), export permit applications containing “controlled goods” must be supported by evidence that the exporter is duly registered with the Controlled Goods Registration Program. This Program is administered by Public Works and Government Services Canada (information is available on the website of the Controlled Goods Program or by telephone at 1-866-333-2477 for more information).

In addition, the Export Permits Regulations specify that applications to export “controlled goods” that are of US-origin, either in whole or in part, and are subject to US export controls under the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR) must be supported by a copy of a United States export authorization. Such authorizations include: (a) a US export Licence; (b) a Warehousing and Distribution Agreement; (c) a Technical Assistance Agreement; (d) a Manufacturing Licence Agreement; (e) a re-export authorization letter; or (f) a US export licence exemption.

Enquiries

  • Email for general enquiries: tie.reception@international.gc.ca
  • Applications may be faxed to 613-996-9933
  • Applications may be mailed to:
    Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
    Export Controls Division (TIE)
    111 Sussex Drive
    Ottawa ON K1A 0G2

Common Scenarios

The following correspond to some of the most commonly encountered scenarios. Exporters should also read and understand the relevant questions and answers presented on our Frequently Asked Questions (Firearms) web page. However, if your particular situation does not clearly fit into any of the scenarios listed below, please contact the Export Controls Division.

Notes

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