Firearms → Canada

PAL required; restricted and prohibited classifications

Details

Canada classifies firearms as non-restricted, restricted, or prohibited under the Firearms Act. Personal import requires a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) or temporary import authorization. Handguns are restricted. AR-15 style rifles are prohibited since 2020. Temporary import for sporting/competition with Canadian Firearms Declaration. Enforcement in Canada carries fines from CAD 500 to CAD 5,000 under Customs Act R.S.C. 1985 c.1 s.12, s.153 (typical personal cases are handled as civil infringements).

Quantity limit

With PAL or temporary authorization

Documentation required

• PAL or Canadian Firearms Declaration
• Registration certificate

Legal reference

Firearms Act (S.C. 1995, c. 39)

Leaving with this item

Canada prohibits taking firearms out of the country without an advance export authorisation; licensed hunters and sport shooters are the main exception categories.

Practical advice

Temporary import possible with Canadian Firearms Declaration. Many firearms classified as prohibited since 2020.

Customs authority

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) · https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca