Do I have to declare guns, bullets, explosives and equivalents at Canada customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare guns, bullets, explosives and equivalents in Canada?

Under Memorandum D2-3-1, Tariff item No. 9804.30.00, Note 1, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Customs Act, section 124, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed. Under Customs Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 1: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.

Can I post or ship guns, bullets, explosives and equivalents 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 guns, bullets, explosives and equivalents out of Canada?

Canada publishes no separate rule for taking guns, bullets, explosives and equivalents out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Canada limit for guns, bullets, explosives and equivalents 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 I Declare: A guide for residents returning to Canada. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does Canada compare with other countries on guns, bullets, explosives and equivalents?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 4 prohibit guns, bullets, explosives and equivalents, 16 limit it and 0 let it through. Canada is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Guns, bullets, explosives and equivalents can I bring into Canada?

Restricted

You can bring Guns, bullets, explosives and equivalents into Canada only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

I Declare: A guide for residents returning to Canada Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

Questions about Guns, bullets, explosives and equivalents in Canada

Do I have to declare guns, bullets, explosives and equivalents at Canada customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Canada customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare guns, bullets, explosives and equivalents in Canada?: Under Memorandum D2-3-1, Tariff item No. 9804.30.00, Note 1, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Customs Act, section 124, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed. Under Customs Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 1: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.
Can I post or ship guns, bullets, explosives and equivalents 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 guns, bullets, explosives and equivalents out of Canada?: Canada publishes no separate rule for taking guns, bullets, explosives and equivalents out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Canada limit for guns, bullets, explosives and equivalents 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 I Declare: A guide for residents returning to Canada. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Canada compare with other countries on guns, bullets, explosives and equivalents?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 4 prohibit guns, bullets, explosives and equivalents, 16 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