Global Affairs Canada has updated the policies for importing restricted handguns into Canada to align with the amendments to the Firearms Act under Bill C-21. This Notice summarizes changes to the policy regarding the importation of restricted handguns, including eligible uses and import permit requirements. Any permit application for purposes other than those specified in this Notice will normally be denied.

The new notice, called Notice to Importers No. 1106 – Importation of restricted handguns into Canada, replaces the pre-existing Notice to Importers No. 1090, and will remain in place until further notice.

This Notice is provided in accordance with the authority of the Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA) and its corresponding regulations, and remains in place until further notice.

You are able to apply for an import permit if you are a resident of Canada, your head office is in Canada, or you operate a branch office in Canada.

What’s eligible?

You may be permitted to import restricted handguns if the intended use is for one of the following reasons:

  • Police, military, movie, or theatrical purposes
  • To train, compete, or coach in a handgun shooting discipline that is part of an Olympic or Paralympic program
  • The handgun is lawfully registered by an individual holding a possession and acquisition licence (PAL) and registration certificate

Import permits

Import permits are required for the following imports:

  • Police, military, movie, or theatrical purposes
  • To train, compete, or coach in a handgun shooting discipline that is part of an Olympic or Paralympic program

Each application for an import permit for a new restricted handgun to train, compete or coach in a handgun shooting discipline must include a letter to a chief firearms officer from a provincial or national sport shooting governing body indicating:

1) that the individual trains, competes or coaches in such a discipline

2) the specific discipline in which the individual trains, competes or coaches

3) that the handgun that the individual seeks to acquire is necessary for training, competing or coaching in that specific discipline

Import permits are not required for the re-importation of lawfully registered handguns by individuals holding a possession and acquisition licence (PAL) and registration certificate.

How to apply for a permit

Applications for an import permit must be submitted to the Export Controls Operations Division.

International Import Certificate: if required by the exporting country, you may submit an international import certificate application via NEXCOL.

Information requirements for IIC’s are set out in section K.2 of the Export and Brokering Controls Handbook.

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