What happens if I do not declare Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives 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.

Where does this rule come from?

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) states it in Memorandum D19-13-2: Importing and exporting firearms, weapons and devices. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Residents, non-residents, settlers, temporary and former residents may not import prohibited weapons or devices.”

How much Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives can I bring into Canada?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives into Canada.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Required — surrender

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

Memorandum D19-13-2: Importing and exporting firearms, weapons and devices Canada Border Services Agency

Questions about Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives in Canada

How many Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives can I bring into Canada?: Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives may not be brought into Canada at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives at Canada customs?: There is nothing to declare — Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives 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 Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) 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 Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives out of Canada?: Canada publishes no separate rule for taking Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Canada limit for Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) 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 Memorandum D19-13-2: Importing and exporting firearms, weapons and devices. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Residents, non-residents, settlers, temporary and former residents may not import prohibited weapons or devices.”
How does Canada compare with other countries on Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 12 prohibit Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives, 7 limit it and 1 let it through. Canada is among the strictest.

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