I am going on a fishing trip to Northern Manitoba this weekend and I was going to bring a guide I have used up there before some rifle ammo because it is hard for them to get ammo way up there. Are there any restrictions on bringing ammo into Canada that is not for your own use (since I will not be bringing a firearm)?

Don't think it's a problem. I think it is duty free up to 200 rounds last I checked. Other solution....get in the "nothing to declare" line.

Hmmm... good question. Canadians needs to have a firearms license (PAL) to be able to procure ammunition. Americans need to get a temporary firearms license at the border, when they bring firearms for hunting (unless they possess the Canadian PAL). Makes me wonder if possession of ammo by an American on Canadian soil also requires the PAL.

This site should have the info somewhere:
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/index-eng.htm

I'd say this would apply to our situation:

"Buying or Importing Ammunition
A valid PAL, a confirmed Non-Resident Firearm Declaration or a Temporary Borrowing Licence (for Non-Residents) will allow you to buy ammunition in Canada. As well, you may bring limited amounts into Canada with you. "

So I'm guessing you need one of the licenses...

Frans

Thanks for the information. I am still not sure whether it is worth taking the chance given recent stories I have read regarding customs there. I have never had a problem before, but hate to start now.

So, get the permit , after all YOU are going to be invited shoot your friends rifle---aren't you

quote:

Are there any restrictions on bringing ammo into Canada that is not for your own use (since I will not be bringing a firearm)?

The problem is not with Canada Customs,but with the U.S. officials.U.S. laws require that you obtain a permit to export any ammunition or components out of the U.S.A.into Canada.This is a federal law,so any violations would be considered federal offenses.

Where I go through the border (driving, in MN), you only stop at the canadian border patrol on the way into Canada (you don't talk to anybody on the US side). They only care about booze and firearms. Gotta declare it, fill out the forms, pay the taxes, etc.

Nobody has ever mentioned/asked anything about, looked at, or inspect any ammo.

They do specifically ask you if you're bringing something you intend to leave in Canada (like a gift). If you say yes, I expect this is where they might ask more questions.

On the way back, you don't talk to any Canadians, only the US border patrol. They have never asked about ammo or guns or anything related. They want you to fill out forms and pay taxex if you bring back booze or game, and they ask the std questions about produce, etc.

Normally, if you declare a firearm, I'm sure if you bring only enough ammo to be considered reasonable for your personal use you won't have any trouble. eg - a couple hundred rounds would be fine, a few thousand might get them asking questions. Otherwise, with no firearm, might be a pretty tough story.

-nosualc

quote:

Where I go through the border (driving, in MN), you only stop at the canadian border patrol on the way into Canada (you don't talk to anybody on the US side). They only care about booze and firearms. Gotta declare it, fill out the forms, pay the taxes, etc.

That is normally what happens,but that isn't "always" what happens.Routine checks are made from time to time on the U.S. side by U.S. authorities.

quote:

Originally posted by stubblejumper:

quote:

Where I go through the border (driving, in MN), you only stop at the canadian border patrol on the way into Canada (you don't talk to anybody on the US side). They only care about booze and firearms. Gotta declare it, fill out the forms, pay the taxes, etc.

That is normally what happens,but that isn't "always" what happens.Routine checks are made from time to time on the U.S. side by U.S. authorities.

I don't doubt that they could and do, but I've never personally seen it, or heard of it. Over the years I've used three different border crossings (Baudette, Intl falls, Grand Portage). But then again, I only cross 4-5 times a year. I've got buddies that cross much more frequently (40 times a year) and they've never mentioned it, but I never asked them either.

-nosualc

quote:

Originally posted by stubblejumper:

quote:

Are there any restrictions on bringing ammo into Canada that is not for your own use (since I will not be bringing a firearm)?

The problem is not with Canada Customs,but with the U.S. officials.U.S. laws require that you obtain a permit to export any ammunition or components out of the U.S.A.into Canada.This is a federal law,so any violations would be considered federal offenses.

Bingo!

Last October I returned to Saskatchewan for a waterfowl hunt crossing the border between the US and Canada in Montana. Ofcourse we brought guns, ammo, gear, etc,.....On entering Canada, no contact with the US folks. The Canadian border fellow asked for gun paperwork and passport first. Next asked to see guns. Never asked to see ammo, we told him we had less than 200 rounds a piece.

When returning to the US we had no contact with the Canadian authorities. The US folks were only interested in seeing the birds we were bringing in and only to insure that they were legally processed. (One wing left attached to carcass.)

I found the crossing to be a very pleasant experience. Certainly it is possible that the pleasantness was due in no small part to the small size of the crossing station I used.

quote:

Certainly it is possible that the pleasantness was due in no small part to the small size of the crossing station I used.

I've always had a very pleasant experience at the (small) Wild Horse crossing between Eastern Alberta and MT. Not so much at Couts/Sweetwater.

Frans

The rub comes when the U.S. side sets up a temporary inspection that you must pass through before reaching Canadian Customs and they catch a Canadian resident with ammo without the proper paperwork or a U.S. resident that is obviously taking it to Canada to leave there. Not worth it to save a few bucks. If you only had to deal with the Canadians it's no big deal but occasionally, you need to deal with the U.S. side prior to leaving the country. Americasns don't take kindly to a Canadian exporting ammo from the U.S. or to a U.S. citizen doing it on belf of a Canadian. Not worth the chance!

An American citizen can export for personal use 1000 rds of ammunition or reloading components that equal the same amount anything over that you are required to get an Export permit.

To Import ammunition and or components into the US an Import permit is required.

A Non Resident Alien can Import 200 rounds of ammunition into Canada, anything above that amount requires Import permits.

ANY Non Resident Alien in the US cannot purchase or be in possession of ammunition, except for the purpose of hunting or for a competition proof will be required. There are some exceptions regarding LE and Gov/Military.

Reloading components are also restricted and cannot be possessed or exported without permits and State Department approval.

I believe the penalty in the US for possession of ammunition and components by a NR Alien is 10,000 USD and/or a prison term and then Deportation from the US and since it is, I believe, a Felony conviction, you will be barred from ever entering the US again.

You cannot as a US citizen take ammunition/components under your exemption for the purpose of sale trade or gift, you then are violating US law.

we in a pissing contest with Canada or something?

Rich
DRSS

Hey Rich the free trade is for you guys only. Barnes wouldn't even send me bullets. I placed an order when I was doing the bullet tests for my website and when the address came up they said we don't ship to Canada. It happens all the time when trying to order stuff from the States. Sinclairs wouldn't even send me brass. It's your laws my friend. The Canadian side said they don't care bring in all you want. At least the limits are pretty high.
Dave

You have 2 sets of laws to deal with. The Rules is covered under ITAR = International Traffic in Arms Regulation. Then you have AECA = Arms Export Control Act.

Basically any firearm parts, ammunition, reloading components will be required to have the proper documentation before it leaves the continental US or protectorate. (save for the exceptions listed in previous post)

They allow purchases under $100 US (check before you buy, because this was supposed to change too) to be exported save for barrels receivers and material deemed to have a specific military application or can be modified to fulfill one. Many times they require an end user certificate and a letter from your government stating that said product is legal for import to your country.

Then you have countries on the restricted list, those barred from receiving any technology or materials that have a dual purpose application or can be readily modified to such use, by the end user.

The laws and regulations have been on the books for years, Canada use to have an exemption, not anymore.