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

Common Scenarios

Temporary Export for Overseas Competition

In addition to the general information, please be aware of the following instructions.

You should provide the following with your application:

  • A cover letter outlining the proposed travel, to include dates, destinations, and a statement that the exporter is travelling to compete as either a team member or as an individual;

  • If competing under the auspices of a sport regulating body (e.g. the Shooting Confederation of Canada), a letter from the regulating body confirming your status and participation at a given competition;

  • A copy of the competitor's invitation to attend the event (general/open invitations are acceptable);

Other information:

  • For “Consignee”, you may enter your name, “Care of” the event and/or the event coordination authority, listing a physical address and contact name for the competition in the destination country.

  • Export type is “Temporary”

Temporary Export for a Hunting Trip

In addition to the general information, please be aware of the following instructions.

An export permit is required in order to take hunting firearms and related magazines, riflescopes and ammunition outside Canada. You should provide the following with your application:

  • A cover letter outlining the dates of travel and nature of the export (temporary) and some type of confirmation of your travel and its purpose (e.g. booking confirmation or invitation letter issued by your outfitter, flight itinerary, etc.). The letter should also state that the export is being made for personal use on the hunting trip and that the exported articles will return to Canada.

  • Confirmation that you have import authority to bring your firearms into the foreign country, or a statement that you will arrange for such permission at the time of import at your destination (your outfitter might be able to assist you).

Some countries now require the presentation of a valid export permit as a pre-condition for their issuance of an import permit. Not having a Canadian export permit in your possession at the time of import to a foreign country may lead to travel delays and/or confiscation of your firearm.

In filling out your application, please note the following:

  • You will be exporting the goods to yourself to the foreign address of your outfitter. The consignee information should be listed as: your name, “Care of” the name and address of your outfitter.

  • When listing ammunition on your application, indicate the correct calibre, unit of measure, quantity and unit value where required. An example of a description of ammunition might be "375 H&H calibre sporting ammunition.” Ensure that the noted unit value correctly reflects the unit of measure used. Generally, quantities and values are stated “per box” or “per cartridge”.

  • You are required to provide your self-assessment of the Export Control List numbers that apply to your export. In this scenario, exporters commonly use the following:

    • Firearms: ECL Item 2-1.a
    • Optical weapons sights (riflescopes): ECL Item 2-1.d
    • Additional magazines: ECL Item 2-1.d
    • Ammunition: ECL Item 2-3.a.

Export of a firearm for repair (temporary export) or replacement (permanent export)

In addition to the general information, please be aware of the following instructions.

A common error with this scenario is that the item to be exported is being sent for an evaluation of whether the item can be repaired or not. If the item is to be repaired and returned to Canada, then the export is of a temporary nature. If, however, the exporter believes that it is likely that the item cannot be repaired and is to be replaced, then the application should be for a permanent export. In this case, an import permit may then be required to have the replacement item enter Canada. Exporters who apply for a temporary permit and who then do not have the original item return to Canada may place themselves in violation of the conditions of their permit. It is the applicant/exporter's responsibility to ensure that the proper type of export is indicated on their application.

For firearms being returned for repair, supporting documentation should include:

  • A written statement by the foreign consignee that the items proposed for export are to be repaired and will be subsequently returned to Canada.

  • If the consignee is required to obtain an import permit for the firearms, or other permission or authority of their government to receive such items into their care, these documents should also be included with the export permit application.

Permanent export of a firearm by an individual

In addition to the general information, please be aware of the following instructions.

You should provide the following with your application:

  • A cover letter from the exporter clearly outlining the transaction entered into between the exporter and the consignee with regard to the proposed export.

  • Documentation from the applicant/exporter showing that the firearms proposed for export are legally registered in Canada and a clear statement of, or documentary proof that, the exporter has the permission of the owner of the firearm (if on consignment or if the item is estate property) to export the firearm. If the firearms for export bear expired registration certificate information then a letter from the Canada Firearms Centre indicating that the option to export the firearm in question has been extended to the exporter may be required.

  • A copy of a valid Firearms Licence held by the exporter for the legal classification of the firearm proposed for export.

  • A valid foreign import authorization that clearly identifies the consignee and the firearm being exported. This documentation may take the form of an International Import Certificate, an Import Permit or Import Licence issued to the final consignee by the foreign firearms import authority, or a clear statement by the consignee noting the licencing authority exemption under which they are undertaking to import the firearm proposed for export from Canada.

  • In the case of prohibited firearms being exported to the United States, a copy of a completed Form 6 issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is commonly required as supporting documentation before an export permit may be issued.

Permanent export by a business

In addition to the general information, please be aware of the following instructions.

You should provide the following with your application:

  • A cover letter from the exporter clearly outlining the transaction entered into between the exporter and the consignee with regard to the proposed export.

  • A copy of the exporter's Business Licence- Firearms as issued by the Canada Firearms Centre.

  • Documentation from the applicant/exporter that the firearms proposed for export are legally registered in Canada (if required to be) and a clear statement/documentary proof that the exporter has the permission of the owner of the firearm (if held on consignment) to export the noted firearm. If the firearms bear expired registration certificate, then a letter from the Canada Firearms Center indicating that the option to export the firearm in question has been extended to the owner/exporter may be required.

  • Clear end-use assurances (see relevant section in the Guide to Canada's Export Controls)

  • Clear and complete technical information/specifications on the items proposed for export. In the case of firearms, a valid Firearms Reference Table (FRT) number is required.

  • Controlled Goods Program Registration information if required (see the section on CGP in this supplement and in the Guide to Canada's Export Controls).

  • US export authorization if required (see the section on CGP and US export above and in the Guide to Canada's Export Controls).

  • Clear and correct descriptions of the items proposed for export that follows the parameters given in the Guide to Canada's Export Controls.

Export of prohibited firearms, prohibited weapons, or prohibited devices

In addition to the general information, please be aware of the following instructions.

Certain prohibited firearms, weapons, devices, or components thereof that are included on the Export Control List(ECL) may be exported only to destinations in the Automatic Firearms Country Control List (AFCCL). More information about the AFCCL is available on our website.

Export of firearms-related goods or ammunition, without firearms

In addition to the general information, please be aware of the following instructions.

The requirements are identical to those noted for firearms, except that firearms registration documentation need not be presented. However, an application to export any item that requires a valid licence to possess in Canada must be accompanied by the appropriate licencing documentation. Items that are not legally possessed in Canada may not be exported from Canada.