Leaving and returning to Canada

CBSA states that if you are moving non-restricted or restricted firearms from Canada to the United States you do not have to stop at a CBSA office when you leave the country, but that the United States requires an import permit.

What the source says

If you are moving non-restricted or restricted firearms from Canada to the United States, you do not have to stop at a CBSA office when you leave the country. However, the United States requires an import permit. Visit the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for the required import permit.

Source: cbsa-asfc.gc.ca Verified 1 November 2026

Official page last modified: 24 July 2025

THE key exit statement for the site. Two separate facts in one sentence and readers routinely merge them: (1) no CBSA exit formality is required of you by Canada, (2) the US side has its own requirement. CBSA's own words for the US requirement are "an import permit" and CBSA points at ATF. The site must reproduce that pointer and NOT characterise US law further - see us-transborder.yaml, where only verbatim US-government statements are recorded.

CBSA states that for firearms previously exported from Canada it is a good idea to carry proof of Canadian purchase or duty paid, and that you can ask CBSA staff to document your firearm on form BSF407, Identification of Articles for Temporary Exportation, before you leave the country, noting that form BSF407 is only available at a CBSA office.

What the source says

If you are importing firearms that were previously exported from Canada, it is a good idea to carry proof that you purchased the firearm in Canada, or that duty was paid when you imported it. You can ask CBSA staff to document your firearm on form BSF407: Identification of Articles for Temporary Exportation, before you leave the country or provide a copy of the export permit under which the firearm was exported. Please note that form BSF407 is only available at a CBSA office .

Source: cbsa-asfc.gc.ca Verified 1 November 2026

Official page last modified: 24 July 2025

ANSWERS TASK ITEM (c) DIRECTLY. This is the official "identify the firearm before you go" process, and BSF407 is its real form number, quoted from CBSA. FORM NUMBER CORROBORATION: BSF407 does NOT appear in CBSA's public forms index at https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/menu-eng.html (checked 2026-11-01: 80 forms listed, BSF4xx entries present are BSF423, BSF459, BSF459-S and BSF496 only). Its absence CORROBORATES rather than contradicts CBSA's statement that the form "is only available at a CBSA office" - there is no downloadable PDF to link. The site should therefore name the form but send readers to a CBSA office rather than to a non-existent download, and should say the form cannot be completed in advance online. PRACTICAL GAP FOR FLYERS, worth surfacing: CBSA says to do this "before you leave the country", but says nothing about where a departing AIR passenger finds a CBSA office, since outbound air travellers do not normally pass CBSA. See open questions in SUMMARY.md.

CBSA states that exporting any class of firearm to a country other than the United States requires an export permit from Global Affairs Canada, plus a PAL and, depending on classification, a registration certificate and a paper Authorization to Transport.

What the source says

If you are exporting any class of firearm to countries other than the United States an export permit is required from GAC. In addition, you need to present a PAL and dependent on the classification of the firearm a registration certificate and a paper ATT. Before exporting these goods, check with customs officials of the country you intend to enter for their requirements.

Source: cbsa-asfc.gc.ca Verified 1 November 2026

Official page last modified: 24 July 2025

CBSA states that foreign countries including the United States have different legal requirements for purchase, possession, transportation and exportation of firearms and related items, and recommends contacting the appropriate authorities in the country being visited.

What the source says

Importers are reminded that foreign countries, including the United States, have different legal requirements that apply to the purchase, possession, transportation and exportation of firearms, ammunition, weapons and related items. It is recommended that you contact the appropriate authorities in the country you are visiting, to determine if any requirements apply to your situation.

Source: cbsa-asfc.gc.ca Verified 1 November 2026

Official page last modified: 24 July 2025

CBSA states the procedures for individuals entering Canada with firearms: declare all firearms to a border services officer when you arrive at the border, provide all required documents, and answer all questions truthfully.

What the source says

Procedures for individuals entering Canada with firearms Declare all firearms to a border services officer ( BSO ) when you arrive at the border Provide all documents required Answer all questions truthfully

Source: cbsa-asfc.gc.ca Verified 1 November 2026

Official page last modified: 24 July 2025

Applies to Canadian residents returning home, not only to visitors - the heading says "individuals". This is the single most important re-entry instruction for the checklist.

CBSA's Table 4 states that re-importing a previously exported non-restricted firearm requires only a Possession and Acquisition Licence, while a restricted firearm requires a PAL, a registration certificate and an Authorization to Transport, with no import permit required for either.

What the source says

Table 4: Re-importing firearms previously exported from Canada Type of firearm | Possession and Acquisition Licence | Firearm Registration Certificate | Authorization to transport | Import permit non-restricted | required | not required | not required | not required restricted | required | required | required | not required grandfathered prohibited | required | required | required | required

Source: cbsa-asfc.gc.ca Verified 1 November 2026

Official page last modified: 24 July 2025

THE re-entry answer for the site's two in-scope classes, and the cleanest table on the page because none of its cells are blank. NON-RESTRICTED, the common case: a PAL is the ONLY document required. No registration certificate, no ATT, no import permit. That is a genuinely reassuring answer and the site should lead with it. RESTRICTED: an ATT IS required to re-import, and it is required in Table 3 (newly acquired) and Table 4 (previously exported) alike. So the restricted traveller needs ATT coverage for the return leg across the border, not only for the outbound trip - note this is a CBSA import requirement at the border, which is a separate requirement from the RCMP's domestic ATT rules in transport-by-class.yaml. The site should treat "do I have ATT coverage for every leg, including coming home" as its own checklist line for restricted firearms. No import permit is required for either in-scope class when the firearm was previously exported - contrast Table 3, where a newly acquired restricted handgun does need one.

CBSA states that a Possession and Acquisition Licence is required for the importation of non-restricted firearms by Canadian residents.

What the source says

A Possession and Acquisition Licence is required for the importation of non-restricted firearms.

Source: cbsa-asfc.gc.ca Verified 1 November 2026

Official page last modified: 24 July 2025

This is the closest any official source comes to saying a traveller must have their licence ON them. It is framed as an import requirement at re-entry, so the site can fairly say: you will need to produce your PAL to a border officer when you come home.

CBSA states that if you declare firearms but cannot meet import requirements or lack proper documents, the officer may allow you to export the firearm, or may detain it, issue a receipt and allow reasonable time to present correct documents.

What the source says

If you have declared firearms but cannot meet the import requirements, or you do not have the proper documents, the BSO may at his or her discretion and dependant on the availability of services at the port of entry, allow you to export the firearm from Canada. Alternatively, the BSO may detain the firearm, issue you a receipt and allow you a reasonable amount of time to present the correct documents to the CBSA.

Source: cbsa-asfc.gc.ca Verified 1 November 2026

Official page last modified: 24 July 2025

"dependant" is the source's own spelling. Useful for the site's tone: declaring with imperfect paperwork is recoverable; not declaring is not.

CBSA states that if you do not declare the firearm or are untruthful, the CBSA may seize it and you may face criminal charges and/or monetary penalties.

What the source says

If you do not declare the firearm or are untruthful, the CBSA may seize it, and you may face criminal charges and/or monetary penalties.

Source: cbsa-asfc.gc.ca Verified 1 November 2026

Official page last modified: 24 July 2025

CBSA states that anyone importing firearms to Canada must be at least 18 years of age.

What the source says

However, anyone importing firearms to Canada must be at least 18 years of age.

Source: cbsa-asfc.gc.ca Verified 1 November 2026

Official page last modified: 24 July 2025

CBSA states that in addition to a PAL with restricted privileges, an ATT and a registration certificate, Canadian residents also need an import permit issued by Global Affairs Canada to import a newly acquired restricted handgun.

What the source says

In addition to a PAL with restricted privileges, ATT and a registration certificate, Canadian residents will also need to obtain an import permit issued by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) under the Export and Import Permits Act in order to import a newly acquired restricted handgun.

Source: cbsa-asfc.gc.ca Verified 1 November 2026

Official page last modified: 24 July 2025

CBSA states that Canadian residents cannot under any circumstances import prohibited firearms newly acquired outside Canada.

What the source says

Canadian residents cannot , under any circumstances, import prohibited firearms newly acquired outside Canada.

Source: cbsa-asfc.gc.ca Verified 1 November 2026

Official page last modified: 24 July 2025

CBSA states you may cross the Canadian border with explosives including ammunition, primers and powders without a Natural Resources Canada permit if the goods are for personal use, remain with you at all times, small arms cartridges contain no tracer or incendiary or similar military component, and the quantity does not exceed the Explosives Regulations, 2013.

What the source says

You may cross the Canadian border with explosives (ammunition, primers and powders) without a Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) permit if you meet the following conditions: the goods are for personal use, not for commercial purposes the goods remain with you, the person transporting them, at all times if applicable, small arms cartridges do not include a tracer, incendiary or similar military component or device (for example, an armour-piercing projectile) the quantity of the ammunition is not more than the quantity set out in the Explosives Regulations, 2013

Source: cbsa-asfc.gc.ca Verified 1 November 2026

Official page last modified: 24 July 2025

TWO CAUTIONS FOR THE SITE. First, CBSA does not state the Explosives Regulations, 2013 quantity here, so the site cannot state a number from this page. The number a FLYER actually runs into is CATSA's 5 kg per person (screening/catsa_ammunition_5kg_per_person_limit), which is a different limit under a different regime. Do not present either as the other. Second, "the goods remain with you, the person transporting them, at all times" is a poor fit for checked baggage in an aircraft hold, and no official source found addresses whether a checked bag satisfies it. Open question - do not assert that it does. Also note powders appear here as something you may bring across the border, while CATSA bans black and smokeless powder from both carry-on AND checked baggage. Border-legal is not flight-legal. The site should say so.

CBSA states that as of September 1, 2024, individuals can import ammunition other than prohibited ammunition, cartridge magazines other than prohibited devices, and firearm parts being barrels and handgun slides, only if they present a valid firearms licence to a border services officer at the time of importation.

What the source says

As of September 1, 2024 , changes to the legislation regarding the importation of ammunition, other than prohibited ammunition, cartridge magazines, other than prohibited devices, and firearm parts (barrel for firearms and slides for handguns), by an individual or non-resident are now in force. Individuals can import these goods only if, at the time of importation, they present a valid firearms licence to a border services officer.

Source: cbsa-asfc.gc.ca Verified 1 November 2026

Official page last modified: 24 July 2025

FLAGGED AS RECENTLY CHANGED per the task. Directly relevant to a returning hunter: bringing home leftover ammunition, a spare magazine, or a barrel now requires producing a valid firearms licence at the border, even with no firearm. The site should carry this as its own checklist line, because a traveller can easily return with ammunition but no firearm and not realise a licence is still required.

The RCMP lists form RCMP 5589, Non-Resident Firearm Declaration, under the heading "Non-residents" and instructs that it be completed before arriving at the border and not signed until in the presence of a Canada Border Services Agency officer.

What the source says

Print this form on 8.5" x 14" paper (legal size) and complete it before arriving at the border. Do not sign the form until you are in the presence of a Canada Border Services Agency officer.

Source: rcmp.ca Verified 1 November 2026

Official page last modified: 27 July 2026

RECORDED AS AN ANTI-CONFUSION GUARD. RCMP 5589 is the form most search results surface for "firearm declaration Canada", and it is a VISITOR form appearing under the RCMP's "Non-residents" heading. A returning Canadian resident does not use it; their relevant form is CBSA's BSF407 on the way OUT. If the site ever mentions 5589, it must be to tell Canadian readers it is not theirs.

TSA states that unloaded firearms may be transported in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage only, and must be declared to the airline at the ticket counter.

What the source says

You may transport unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage only. Declare the firearm and/or ammunition to the airline when checking your bag at the ticket counter. The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted. Be aware that the container the firearm was in when purchased may not adequately secure the firearm when it is transported in checked baggage.

Source: tsa.gov Verified 1 November 2026

TSA states that only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request it, and that any brand or type of lock may be used including TSA-recognized locks.

What the source says

Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks.

Source: tsa.gov Verified 1 November 2026

TSA states to declare each firearm each time it is presented for transport as checked baggage and to ask the airline about limitations or fees that may apply.

What the source says

Declare each firearm each time you present it for transport as checked baggage. Ask your airline about limitations or fees that may apply.

Source: tsa.gov Verified 1 November 2026

TSA states that firearm parts including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins are prohibited in carry-on baggage but may be transported in checked baggage.

What the source says

Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage.

Source: tsa.gov Verified 1 November 2026

TSA states that rifle scopes are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage.

What the source says

Rifle scopes are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage.

Source: tsa.gov Verified 1 November 2026

TSA states that ammunition is prohibited in carry-on but may be transported in checked baggage, that small arms ammunition must be packaged in a box specifically designed to carry ammunition and declared to the airline, that magazines and clips must be boxed or within a hard-sided locked case, and to check with the airline for quantity limits.

What the source says

Ammunition is prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage. Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm. Read the requirements governing the transport of ammunition in checked baggage as defined by 49 CFR 175.10 (a)(8). Small arms ammunition (up to .75 caliber and shotgun shells of any gauge) must be packaged in a fiber (such as cardboard), wood, plastic, or metal box specifically designed to carry ammunition and declared to your airline. Ammunition may be transported in the same hard-sided, locked case as a firearm if it has been packed as described above. You cannot use firearm magazines or clips for packing ammunition unless they completely enclose the ammunition. Please check with your airline for quantity limits for ammunition.

Source: tsa.gov Verified 1 November 2026

TSA states the regulatory definition of a loaded firearm and states that for civil enforcement purposes it also considers a firearm loaded when both the firearm and ammunition are accessible to the passenger.

What the source says

Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. As defined by 49 CFR 1540.5 a loaded firearm has a live round of ammunition, or any component thereof, in the chamber or cylinder or in a magazine inserted in the firearm. For civil enforcement purposes, TSA also considers a firearm to be loaded when both the firearm and ammunition are accessible to the passenger. For example, if an individual has a firearm in accessible baggage and ammunition in his/her pocket, or any combination where the individual has access to both, the firearm is considered "loaded" for purposes of assessing a civil penalty.

Source: tsa.gov Verified 1 November 2026

CBP states that travellers may be required to possess the appropriate Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives form, and that exportation may be regulated under ITAR administered by the State Department or the EAR administered by BIS.

What the source says

Additionally, the permanent or temporary exportation of a firearm and/or ammunition that may be regulated by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) administered by the U.S. Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), or by the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). Also, travelers may be required to possess the appropriate Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) form.

Source: cbp.gov Verified 1 November 2026

Official page last modified: 14 March 2025

CBP's own hand-off to ATF, which is the link in the chain CBSA also points at (cbsa-exit-reentry/cbsa_exit_to_us_no_stop_required_but_us_permit_needed). CBSA says the US "requires an import permit" and points at ATF; CBP says you may need "the appropriate ATF form"; ATF publishes Form 6NIA for nonimmigrants. The site can lay out that chain of official pointers without asserting the legal outcome.

ATF's firearms forms index describes ATF Form 6NIA (5330.3D) as the Application/Permit for Temporary Importation of Firearms and Ammunition by Nonimmigrant Aliens, used to apply to temporarily import firearms and ammunition for lawful hunting or sporting purposes, for use by visiting foreign nationals (nonimmigrant aliens) only.

What the source says

Application/Permit for Temporary Importation of Firearms and Ammunition by Nonimmigrant Aliens - ATF Form 6NIA (5330.3D) [PDF - 1.98 MB] This form is used to apply to temporarily import firearms and ammunition for lawful hunting or sporting purposes. For use by visiting foreign nationals (nonimmigrant aliens) only. Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

Source: atf.gov Verified 1 November 2026

THE most important US entry for this site's audience, and the answer to "what is the ATF form a Canadian hunter hears about". FORM NUMBER AND TITLE ARE VERBATIM from ATF's own forms index row, not guessed and not recalled. Verification detail: atf.gov returns HTTP 403 to curl and to headless Chrome --dump-dom (Akamai edge block); Playwright reached it successfully. The PDF at /media/22526/download was confirmed to return 200 application/pdf via an in-page fetch. The canonical forms index URL is https://www.atf.gov/firearms/forms - note /firearms/firearms-forms redirects there. NO INTERPRETATION OFFERED, deliberately: whether a given Canadian needs a 6NIA, how long approval takes, and how it interacts with CBP's BAG license exception are all questions for ATF and CBP. The site should name the form, link it, and say to contact ATF. See SUMMARY.md open questions.

CBP states that US citizens, lawful permanent residents and nonimmigrants using the BAG license exception must present firearms and ammunition for inspection to a CBP officer prior to departure from the US, completing CBP Form 4457, Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad, and must present that form with the firearms and any returning unused ammunition upon return to the US.

What the source says

USCs, LPRs and nonimmigrants utilizing the BAG license exception are required present the firearms and ammunition for inspection to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer prior to departure from the U.S. To complete this process, the traveler must complete the Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad CBP Form 4457 and present the merchandise being declared under the BAG license exception to a CBP Officer prior to departure from the U.S. the CBP Form 4457 must be presented along with the firearm(s) and any returning unused ammunition to CBP upon return to the U.S.

Source: cbp.gov Verified 1 November 2026

Official page last modified: 14 March 2025

"are required present" is CBP's own wording, reproduced verbatim. WHY THIS IS RECORDED FOR A CANADIAN AUDIENCE: the section is headed toward USCs and LPRs, but this sentence expressly includes "nonimmigrants", the US category a visiting Canadian falls into. CBP Form 4457 is the US analogue of Canada's BSF407 - each country has a before-you-leave registration document for goods you intend to bring back. The site may note that symmetry as a fact about the two forms. It should NOT tell a Canadian reader whether they personally need a 4457; that is a question for CBP. See SUMMARY.md open questions.

CBP states that Form 4457 is only for re-entry into the US, is not an entry document to the importing country, and that it is the traveller's responsibility to comply with the import laws of the country they are travelling to.

What the source says

It is important to note that the Form 4457 is only for reentry into the U.S.; it is not an entry document to the importing country. It is the responsibility of the traveler to comply with the import laws of the country to which they are traveling.

Source: cbp.gov Verified 1 November 2026

Official page last modified: 14 March 2025

Worth quoting on the site as a general caution, since the same logic applies to Canada's BSF407: a registration document proves what you left with, it does not admit you anywhere.

CBP states that before leaving for a trip abroad a traveller might want to talk to CBP about the items they plan to bring back, to be sure they are not prohibited or restricted.

What the source says

Before you leave for your trip abroad, you might want to talk to CBP about the items you plan to bring back to be sure they're not prohibited or restricted.

Source: cbp.gov Verified 1 November 2026

Official page last modified: 14 March 2025

CBP states that "restricted" means special licences or permits are required from a federal agency before an item is allowed to enter the United States, and lists firearms as an example of a restricted item.

What the source says

Restricted means that special licenses or permits are required from a federal agency before the item is allowed to enter the United States. Examples of restricted items include firearms, certain fruits and vegetables, animal products, animal by products, and some animals.

Source: cbp.gov Verified 1 November 2026

Official page last modified: 14 March 2025

Note the US sense of "restricted" here means "permit required to import" and has NOTHING to do with Canada's "restricted" firearm CLASS. The site must not let these two senses of the word collide on a transborder page - that is a live risk given the audience.

ATF states that declaring a weapon in checked luggage with an airline carrier does not grant permission to bring the weapon into other countries, and that it is the traveller's responsibility to research local laws and complete all necessary forms prior to travel.

What the source says

Declaring a weapon in your checked luggage with an airline carrier does not grant you permission to bring the weapon into other countries. It is the responsibility of the traveler to research local laws and complete all necessary forms prior to travel. Research the laws of the country you will be traveling to. Check the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs and contact the foreign embassy in the United States prior to travel to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

Source: atf.gov Verified 1 November 2026

Official page last modified: 23 September 2026

THE single best quotable principle found on any US page for this site, and it generalises cleanly in both directions: an airline accepting your firearm is not a government authorising its entry. Exactly the misconception FlyerArms exists to correct. Note this page carries BOTH a "Last Updated" and a "Last Reviewed" date and they differ by over two years - record both. CONTEXT CAVEAT: the page as a whole is an anti-trafficking campaign aimed at US travellers heading to CARICOM/Caribbean destinations, not guidance for Canadians entering the US. The quoted passage is the general "what to know before you go" portion. Do not present this page as the ATF's guidance on Canada-US travel.

CBSA states that if you are flying you should visit the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority's website for information concerning the transportation of firearms and/or ammunition by air.

What the source says

If you are flying, please visit Canadian Air Transport Security Authority's website for information concerning the transportation of firearms and/or ammunition by air.

Source: cbsa-asfc.gc.ca Verified 1 November 2026

Official page last modified: 24 July 2025