Can You Bring A Rifle Scope To Canada?

Scopes have become a must-have tool for shooting. Shooting with rifles without scopes sounds incomplete nowadays. But when it comes to bringing them from one country to another, you will have to think about the legality of the transportation.

So, the question comes to mind: Can I bring a rifle scope to Canada? Yes, you can bring in rifle scopes in Canada and there is no ban on importation. However, you will have to face strict rules in the USA if you’re exporting them from America.

In this guide, I will talk about the importation and exportation of riflescopes to Canada. So, read the whole guide so that you don’t miss any useful information.

Related Article: Can You Use One Scope For Multiple Rifles?

Can I Bring A Rifle Scope To Canada?

During planning a hunting trip to Canada, many hunters want to know about the legality of bringing or carrying Canada while going to Canada.

The answer is a big yes, and you can bring your rifle scope to Canada. No issue at all, however, you’ll have to follow some rules, and regulations that I am going to discuss in the section below.

1- Canadian Firearms Legislation

Canadian firearms legislation is designed to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. As of July 7, 2021, certain provisions of Bill C-71, and this law requires that anyone importing firearms to Canada must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid purpose for importing the firearm. 

What does mean by the valid purpose? Look, when you import your scope or another firearm, then you’ll have to tell a valid reason why you are importing your scope to Canada. 

Note: Valid purposes usually include hunting during hunting season, but are limited to non-restricted firearms only.

2- Customs Regulations

When bringing a rifle scope into Canada, it is important to be aware of customs regulations. According to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), travelers must declare all firearms and cannot import prohibited firearms, prohibited devices, or prohibited weapons. 

So, the question might come into your mind if the rifle scopes are part of restricted items or not. But you’ll be happy to know that the rifle scopes are considered non-prohibited firearms. So, you’ll be able to import the rifle scopes.

However, to keep everything transparent, you must declare your item to the authority to ensure that you don’t face any sort of difficulties while importing them to Canada.

3- Import Permit Requirements

To be very honest, bringing scopes into Canada is not a very easy and straightforward process, and you’ll have to go through a complex process. 

If you want to bring your rifle scope into Canada, then you’ll have to acquire an acquisition Licence or a Firearms Business Licence. 

I would be honest that getting those licenses is real work that you’ll have to do to get things done. In the section below, I am going to provide you with all the basic requirements that you’ll have to fulfill for easy transportation. 

Requirement	Details
Age	Must be at least 18 years old
Purpose	Must have a valid purpose, such as hunting during the hunting season
Declaration	Must declare all firearms and cannot import prohibited firearms, prohibited devices, or prohibited weapons
License	Must obtain either a Possession and Acquisition Licence or a Firearms Business Licence
Customs Tariff	Must be aware of the restrictions imposed by the Customs Tariff
Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Form	Must fill out the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Form
Additional Paperwork	In some cases, additional paperwork may be required

So, still, want to import your rifle scope to Canada? If yes, you’ll have to obtain the proper documentation and permits. Also, make sure that you are well aware of customs regulations and import permit requirements to ensure that you enjoy a smooth and successful hunting trip in Canada.

Read Also: How to Spot a Fake Leupold Scope?

Traveling with Rifle Scopes

Usually, there are two ways that visitors use to go to Canada. The first way is to go by airplane and it is probably a very easy peasy way. Another way is to go by road and cross the border legally. This is a bit tough because you’ll have to drive a lot. In the section below, I am going to list the legality of carrying rifle scopes in these two ways.

1- Air Travel

If you plan on flying with a rifle scope to Canada, then you must be aware of the regulations set forth by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

According to the TSA, rifle scopes are allowed in both checked and carry-on baggage. But I personally suggest you ask their airport authority if you can carry a scope with you. All the airports allow it and you won’t face any issues at all.

Special Note: I highly recommend you purchase a TSA-approved lock to ensure that your case is not opened without your knowledge so that your rifle scopes remain safe.

2- Land Travel

If you plan on traveling to Canada with a rifle scope by land, you will need to declare it to Canadian customs when you arrive at the border. 

According to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), you are allowed to bring a rifle scope into Canada as long as it is not prohibited. 

As I have told you earlier that the rifle scopes are included in non-prohibited items, so you’ll be able to carry them along with you while entering Canada via crossing the border.

Can You Bring Rifle Scopes From Canada To The USA?

When it comes to bringing rifle scopes from Canada to the USA, there are certain regulations that need to be followed. 

Canada requires you to have an export permit and if you don’t have an export permit, you won’t be able to bring scopes to the USA from Canada. Although you can bring scopes from Canada to the USA, the process is very hard.

To be honest, importing scope is Canada is a lot easier than exporting scopes from Canada as you’ll need to have many documentations. In fact, if you are from the USA, you can carry your scope along with you even if you don’t have an export permit, but the rules of Canada for the exportation of scopes are very strict.

Related: Where Are Maven Scopes Made?

Can I bring Scopes to Canada for a few days’ Trip?

To authorities, it does not matter how long you’re going to stay in Canada and hunt there. You must have proper documentation so that your rifle scopes get approved to be taken to Canada. 

If you think that for a short trip, you can carry scope to Canada – you’re totally wrong! Suppose you’re going to Canada for a few days, and by considering it, you don’t declare your item to Custom team, the chances are high that you’ll face some legal consequences. 

So, I always suggest you follow the rules as they are made for your own safety and well beings. In short, you can carry your rifle scopes to Canada and you can even take it back to the USA, but in the process, never violate the rules.

Frequently Asked Questions