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.
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
- 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.
Source: Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) — Memorandum D19-13-2: Importing and exporting firearms, weapons and devices · verified 2026-09-19
Source: Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) — Memorandum D19-13-2: Importing and exporting firearms, weapons and devices · verified 2026-09-19
Source: Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) — Memorandum D2-3-1, Personal Exemptions for Residents Returning to Canada · verified 2026-09-20
Source: Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) — Postal Imports Remission Order (SI/85-181) · verified 2026-09-20
Source: Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) — Memorandum D19-13-2: Importing and exporting firearms, weapons and devices · verified 2026-09-19
Source: Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) — Memorandum D19-13-2: Importing and exporting firearms, weapons and devices · verified 2026-09-19