I'm going to Puyallup this weekend and might pick up some powder along the way. Can't seem to find the definitive answer regarding the legality of doing so. Has anyone been down recently and made a Powder purchase?
Other than that, anyplace in Vancouver, BC that won't rob you completely for a few pounds?
thanks

Welcome to the site DJ. As you can see, I am from Aldergrove. The best course of action for you is to contact Customs Canada and ask them for the proper info and where to find it on their website. Print out the info and take it with you as some of the CC people aren't too bright or are ill-informed. (Sorry Vicky,I don't mean Rob). You will find the powder prices all over the lower mainland to be exorbitant because of the Federal Govt. and their stupid regulations. Since I have been to Puyallop several times(although long ago) I do believe that you will get the best prices on powder at the show. If nothing else, I just know that you will have a high old time. Also if it wouldn't be too much too ask, would you mind getting me a schedule of the show dates. Thaks and best of luck! derf

Last time I was in Bozeman I had a bunch of surplus powder delivered to my work there, and brought it back with me. Seems the legal limit to bring back, FROM THE CANADIAN POINT OF VIEW, is 8kg (roughly 17 pounds). However, you have to stay under $100 US worth for the legal amount for an alien to order from the states, and I don't believe you can legally possess any with you while you are there, unless you have a hunting licence. That's from the US point of view, as you are a non-resident alien, and fall under the Home Security Act. Hunting licences for varmints are available on the net (downloadable) from both the Dakots if memory serves, and that should protect you legally for whatever is in your possession. Exporting brings us back to the $100 US rule again, any more then that and you need an export permit from the US, which in turn requires an import permit from Canada. Keep in mind that this is NOT a requirement from the Canadian gov't, they do not require an import permit, this is a US requirement. If you have any other questions about my experiance with bringing powder back, just pm me. - Dan

Thanks Dan,
That helps sort it out a bit.

Derf: Washington Arms Collectors Puyallup

I'm not sure about this import/export permit. In order to buy bullets recently (powder has the same licensing requirement) I had to send the request to Ottawa listing what I wanted to purchase. They stamped it, and returned it to me. Then I sent it off to Sinclair who got the license for me. I finally got my bullets 3 months later.
God what a heartache. If you look hard enough you can find most of your requirements in Canada, but pay you will! Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

Thank you dj, I hope you have a fun but safe trip. derf

Buying powder is easy walk in to the store pick your powder up pay for it walk out. Use US dollars.

Getting it back into Canada is your problem how you do it is up to you.

From my conversations with several different ATF people on friday, Smokeless powder for sporting purposes, does not come under their jurisdiction. One of the online documents confirmed this. I'm sure there is another US branch that cares about it, but according to ATF they don't.

My trip south was uneventful. Puyallup was a large show filled with handguns and assault weapons (not my bag really). About the only thing interesting was a fellow had a Win Model 70 serial #25 in very nice shape.
Also for those unaware, gunpowder can not be sold at gunshows in Washington state. Anyway, nice weekend, but I will stick to Canadian gunshows and maybe treat myself with the Las Vegas show in Jan.
take care

Thank you for the update dj. derf

djpepper: Check out www.bigrenoshow.com.

Try www.higginsonpowders.com . If you buy 21 lbs. they pay the shipping. Cheapest prices in Canada and great people to deal with.