Do I have to declare firearms, ammunition and controlled knives at Canada customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to Canada customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare firearms, ammunition and controlled knives in Canada?

If it is treated as smuggling, the goods are confiscated; it is prosecuted as a criminal offence; an administrative fine is imposed.

Can I post or ship firearms, ammunition and controlled knives to Canada instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take firearms, ammunition and controlled knives out of Canada?

Canada publishes no separate rule for taking firearms, ammunition and controlled knives out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Canada limit for firearms, ammunition and controlled knives apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) states it in Firearms and weapons: Canadian border requirements. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-16. The sentence it rests on reads: “A Possession and Acquisition Licence is required for the importation of non-restricted firearms.”

Is the firearms, ammunition and controlled knives rule in Canada different for residents, visitors or crew?

This allowance applies to Resident.

How does Canada compare with other countries on firearms, ammunition and controlled knives?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 5 prohibit firearms, ammunition and controlled knives, 15 limit it and 0 let it through. Canada is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Firearms, ammunition and controlled knives can I bring into Canada?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Firearms, ammunition and controlled knives into Canada.

Extra conditions apply

Carried Not allowed

Declaration Required — surrender

Limit No stated quantity

Post or courier prohibited

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler
Extra conditions apply
No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler
Extra conditions apply
No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler
Extra conditions apply
No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler
Extra conditions apply
No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler, Post or courier
Extra conditions apply

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

If you do not declare

Step 1: Confiscation, Criminal prosecution, Administrative fine

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Firearms and weapons: Canadian border requirements Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Firearms and weapons: Canadian border requirements Canada Border Services Agency

Questions about Firearms, ammunition and controlled knives in Canada

Do I have to declare firearms, ammunition and controlled knives at Canada customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Canada customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare firearms, ammunition and controlled knives in Canada?: If it is treated as smuggling, the goods are confiscated; it is prosecuted as a criminal offence; an administrative fine is imposed.
Can I post or ship firearms, ammunition and controlled knives to Canada instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take firearms, ammunition and controlled knives out of Canada?: Canada publishes no separate rule for taking firearms, ammunition and controlled knives out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Canada limit for firearms, ammunition and controlled knives apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) states it in Firearms and weapons: Canadian border requirements. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-16. The sentence it rests on reads: “A Possession and Acquisition Licence is required for the importation of non-restricted firearms.”
Is the firearms, ammunition and controlled knives rule in Canada different for residents, visitors or crew?: This allowance applies to Resident.
How does Canada compare with other countries on firearms, ammunition and controlled knives?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 5 prohibit firearms, ammunition and controlled knives, 15 limit it and 0 let it through. Canada is among the ones that set a limit.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia China France Germany

Other items in this group

Antique and replica weapons Banned knives and edged weapons Buddha images, artifacts/objects, antiques CITES-protected species and products Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) Consumer fireworks