GFGC - Firearms Courses

This process is relatively simple. You will have to have two things (three if a restricted firearm) to import a firearm into Canada. The first is an International Import Certificate (DFAIT form EXT 1020). Secondly, you have to have your firearm registration certificate from Canada Firearms Centre. Both of these can be applied for online through the web sites listed below.

Once you have both of these documents you go meet with vender and bring your firearm to the border crossing and present these documents to the agent, pay the tax on the purchase price and you take the firearm home. Remember, You have to have these documents with you to present at the time you cross the border or they will hold your firearm in bond until you present them and pay the tax. Also, at the crossing, inform the agent you are importing a firearm and the price. The agent will then inform you to proceed inside but "Leave the firearm in the car. If they want to see it they will come out to inspect it".

1. DFAIT - Go to www.international.gc.ca click on Trade Negotiations and Agreements; then go to "Export and Import Controls"; then go to Export Controls Online (EXCOL) in the menu on the left; then click on "Go to Excol" button; once the Excol site is opened, click on "Apply for International Import Certificate" and fill in form EXT 1020 (Application for International Import Certificate) and submit online. The approval process takes about 4 weeks and they will send you a copy of the Import Certificate. (you select the mode of delivery of the form to you, either mail or fax). Once you have the IIC, you must send it to the vender in the US so that he can export the firearm from the US to Canada. You can initially send the vender a copy of the IIC electronically (Fax or e-mail) and give hime the original when you pick up the firearm. You must keep a photocopy of the IIC to present to the CBSA Agent when you cross the border, as they use the value listed in the IIC to calculate the taxes.

2. Canada Firearms Centre - www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca Click on Registration; then "Register a Firearm" (Third paragraph down) then proceed to secure site to register your firearm. At this site you will fill in all the appropriate blanks and your firearm registration will be mailed in 3-4 weeks.

3. Authorization to Transport: If the firearm you are importing is restricted, you will have to obtain an Authorization to Transport from the border crossing where you will be crossing with the firearm to your residence. Call 1-800-731-4000 -1-1-7528, and explain that you are importing the Firearm and need the ATT for the date you will be transporting it; you will need your PAL number and the Registration Certificate Number for the firearm you have pre-registered.

For the registration of the firearm with the Canada Firearms Centre you will require the Serial Number and firearm description from the vender and you will have to call the 1-800-731-4000 and talk to a "Verifier" to get the proper FRT Number, the name and code number of the "Verifier" that you talk to, as this information has to be entered on the online form. Make sure you tell him you are registering online. When you are on the site at "Register a Firearm", it will tell you all the information required to be able to register online. Once you hit the submit button the registration is complete and you can actually see the new number. It will take 3-4 weeks to receive the actual card from the registrar.

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