Shipping to Canada?

[walt007]

I have an interested buyer for a gun and ammo that I am selling myself (private owner no FFL), and the interested individual resides and needs it shipped to Canada. Is this legal, if so, how would I go about doing this? Thanks for all of your help in advance.

P.S. I called my FFL (gunstore) and they will NOT do it.

 

[P0832177]

Importing or exporting firearms, weapons or devices into or from Canada
Any firearm, weapon or device that is imported into or exported from Canada must be declared. If the goods are not declared, the Canada Border Services Agency will confiscate them and criminal charges could be laid.

If you are importing or exporting firearms, weapons or devices into or from Canada for commercial reasons, you must have a valid Business and/or Carrier License and a valid Import or Export Permit from the International Trade Canada (ITCan). You can contact the ITCan Export Controls Division at 613-996-2387, or by fax at 613-996-9933.

Before you try to import a firearm, weapon or device, please check carefully to make sure it's not prohibited. It is a criminal offence for any person to possess a prohibited weapon unless he or she is authorized to do so by law. Examples of prohibited firearms are fully automatic firearms (even if they have been altered to not fire automatically) and sawed-off rifles or shotguns where the barrel is shorter than 457 millimeters or 18 inches, and the overall length is less than 660 millimeters or 26 inches. Silencers that muffle the sound of a gun, knives that open automatically, pepper spray, throwing stars, spiked wristbands, blowguns, brass knuckles, and stun guns are examples of prohibited weapons.

As a commercial importer you are responsible for the safe transportation and storage of the firearms under your control. Please refer to the Storage, Display and Transportation of Firearms and Other Weapons by Businesses Regulations of the Firearms Act.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/eservices/bis/bis61-e.html

 

[walt007]

Thanks John!

 

[Pat_Rogers]

I have no knowledge of what is necessary to import a weapon into Canada, but to export from the United States requires a license. Those items covered under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) stringently regulated and each license is reviewed by several USG agancies.
The reason that your FFL won't ship is because the licensing fee takes a long time, requires the services of a lawyer who specializes in this, and will cost a fair amount of money.
Weapons aren't the only thing prohibited of course and include sights magazine and a plethora of other things.
I would strongly advise against even considering doing this. You can only lose on this one.

 

[Banta]

Leroy's Big Valley Guns out of Glasgow Montana will do it for you, they seem to be very well versed on the procedure (there is a charge though). Americans used to be able to just ship the firearm to Canada but after 9/11 the US tightened their firearm export laws. They now require an import permit from the Canadian making the purchase which would than allow the US seller to apply for an export permit from the (ATF?). It's not hard but it does take some time.

 

[Ryder]

Don't get your hopes up. I have freinds in Canada and all the packages I have attempted to ship them have been returned without explanation. Just ordinary Christmas and birthday gift stuff. I've given up trying.

 

[Pat_Rogers]

Banta- BATFE does not grant export licenses- Department of State does.

Shipping/ attempting to export weapons, weapons parts, accessories, sights etc all require that export license.
It is a minefield, and the short answer is that it is not worth the expense for small items.
To attempt to subvert the laws is likewise flat stupid, and will only wind up with someone in jail.
Legal advise on the errornet is always suspect. Find a lawyer that specializes in export law and be guided by him/
You may wind up selling at a loss though...

 

[Banta]

"Banta- BATFE does not grant export licenses- Department of State does."


Yeah, that's why I put a question mark, I wasn't sure. Honestly though you do not need a lawyer. I have purchased small gun parts and had them shipped into Canada and our customs does not even question it. If I were to ship in larger parts such as a barrel or receiver etc. I would require the US export permit because again, the US now requires it. As I stated earlier, Canadian authorities could care less as long as we register the gun ahead of time. The issue is the US export laws and these are easily and legally followed by getting the proper licensing. I have not done it before but I have looked into it. Again there are these myths that it is legally impossible or very hard. Here is a link that pretty much explains it. It explains Canadian importing but the process is pretty much the same for Americans exporting to Canada.

http://www.losttarget.com/firearmlaws.html#CANADAUS

 

[Banta]

"Don't get your hopes up. I have freinds in Canada and all the packages I have attempted to ship them have been returned without explanation. Just ordinary Christmas and birthday gift stuff. I've given up trying."


You put the address on the package right?

 

[Pat_Rogers]

Bantu- I have more then passing knowledge of this issue..
It is illegal for certain weapons parts to be exported without a State license.
There is no limit on size, quantity or dollar amount. A gift of a certain part- regardless of the original cost- is a violation os US laws.
The fact that Canadian customs allows something in has nothing to do with the fact that US State (as well as other agencies, such as Commerce, for other items) requires a license to export.
The fact that some do this illegally does not make it right.

A US citizen, exporting prohibited items without a license will be neck deep in hot water.
Getting that license is something that is subject to review by a variety of other agencies who must be able to justify a yay or nay.
Your knowledge of Canadian import laws does not equal legal advice on US export laws.

 

[walt007]

Thank you for all of your advice.

I will be shipping through my FFL only, so it is up to me if I can find an FFL that will have the necessary paperwork in order to ship to Canada. Banta, I will try out the FFL you mentioned, and maybe I can ship my package to them, and then can ship it out for me. We'll see, but I can tell you that I am VERY cautious about this transaction and will do all I can take ALL the liablity off of my hands.

Thanks guys!

 

[Banta]

"A US citizen, exporting prohibited items without a license will be neck deep in hot water.
Getting that license is something that is subject to review by a variety of other agencies who must be able to justify a yay or nay.
Your knowledge of Canadian import laws does not equal legal advice on US export laws."


I don't doubt that. That's why it is best to go through an FFL dealer such as I mentioned who does have the license and expertise.

 

[SDC]

This guy ( http://www.questar.ca/services.htm ) also does import/export transfers across the border, and may have a better handle on things. Hope this helps.

 

[gezzer]

Sorry to say you are wasting your time. Sell to someone in the USA

 

[walt007]

Sorry to say you are wasting your time. Sell to someone in the USA

Why do you say that??

Why can't I have my lcoal FFL ship the item to these guys: http://www.thehockshop.net/importexport.html and then have them ship it to the destined location??

 

[walt007]

Solution

Just F.E.I. up to a .50 AE is acceptable, while the 50 BMG is not. I was told by "The Hock Shop & Sporting Center" located in Port Huron Michigan not to even try shipping ammo as it is too much of a hassle. These guys already have the paperwork from the gov. and it would take them about 4-5 weeks to fill out the necessary paperwork to ship my gun to Canada.

To summarize, it IS possible, completely legal, and verified with all necessary authorities prior to shipping the gun out. I would ship out the gun to "The Hock Shop & Sporting Center", and the rest would be taken care of from their end.