Memorandum D19-13-2 - Importing and exporting firearms, weapons and devices - Plain language summary

Oct 5, 2026

Uploaded by cksankcs

Memorandum D19-13-2 explains how the Customs Tariff tariff item 9898.00.00, the Criminal Code, the Firearms Act, and the Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA) interact when importing, exporting, and moving in transit firearms, firearm parts, weapons, devices, and ammunition. It clarifies definitions, procedural guidelines, and documentation expectations for importers of commercial goods, and includes appendices with a barrel-length calculation diagram and import document requirement tables. It also records updates, legal precedence, and authorizes Canadian agents for specific roles.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages70

Reading Time2 h 56 min

AccessFree to download

Updates made to this D-memo

Definitions

Guidelines

Appendix A: Diagram of how to calculate barrel length and describing parts of a firearm

Appendix B: Table of import document requirements

Appendix C: Authorizing Canadian agents for supernumerary or special constables

References

Related links

Memorandum D19-13-2: Importing and exporting firearms, weapons and devices ISSN 2369-2391 Ottawa, June 25, 2026 Plain language summary Target audience: Importers of commercial goods Key content: Importing and Exporting Firearms, Weapons and Devices This memorandum outlines how tariff item (TI) 9898.00.00 of the Customs Tariff, the Criminal Code, the Firearms Act, and the Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA) relate to the importing, exporting and movement of in transit of firearms, firearm parts, weapons, devices, and ammunition. This document does not amend or supersede the relevant legislation. In case of any discrepancy between this document and the legislation, the legislation will prevail. On this page • Updates made to this D-memo • Definitions • Guidelines • Appendix A: Diagram of how to calculate barrel length and describing parts of a firearm • Appendix B: Table of import document requirements • Appendix C: Authorizing Canadian agents for supernumerary or special constables • References • Contact us • Related links Updates made to this D-memo This memorandum replaces Memorandum D19-13-2 dated April 25th 2025. The following changes have been made: (a) Added definitions: Centrifugal force and Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW) (b) Paragraph 21 was amended (c) Paragraph 46 (c) was updated for clarity (d) Paragraph 88 amended to include possibilities of storage fees (e) Reference – removed reference to Bill C21 that has been enacted into law Definitions 1. The following definitions are to be used when applying this memorandum: Action Assembly of component parts that carries out the necessary cycle of operation in small arms. Actions are categorized as: air, spring or gas, bolt action, converted automatic, full automatic, lever action, multi-barrel, pump action, revolver, semi-automatic and single shot. Note: The term "Action" is sometimes misused to mean an assembled receiver/frame, without an assembled barrel. The term is also misused as "Barrelled Action" which has evolved into a term describing the metal parts remaining when the wood furniture (stock fore-end and butt) are removed from the firearm. However, the definition provided above is the one that applies in this D Memorandum. Ammunition A loaded cartridge, consisting of a primed cartridge case, propellant and may or may not contain one or more projectiles, designed to be discharged from a firearm, including a caseless cartridge and a shotshell. Note: A Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) or Non Resident Firearms Declaration (NRFD) is required to import these products. Arms Trade Treaty An international treaty that establishes common standards for the international trade of conventional weapons and seeks to reduce illicit arms trade and human suffering. It promotes responsibility, transparency and accountability in transfers of conventional arms. Canada became a State Party to the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty on September 17, 2019. Authorization To Carry (ATC) An authorization that allows an individual to carry restricted firearms, or certain grandfathered handguns, on his or her person for lawful occupational purposes, or to protect life. Authorization To Transport (ATT) An authorization that allows an individual to transport restricted or prohibited firearms from one place to another, such as from a home to a target range or gun show and back. It is necessary to present a paper ATT when importing or exporting restricted or prohibited firearms. Automatic firearm A firearm that is capable of, or assembled or designed and manufactured with the capability of discharging projectiles in rapid succession during one pressure of the trigger. Barrel That portion of a firearm through which a projectile or shot charge travels under the impetus of powder gases, compressed air or like means. A barrel may be either smooth or rifled. Barrel length The distance from the muzzle of t

FAQs

What legislation and tariff item does Memorandum D19-13-2 relate to?

It relates to Customs Tariff tariff item (TI) 9898.00.00, the Criminal Code, the Firearms Act, and the Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA).

Does the memorandum amend or override the relevant laws?

No. The memorandum states it does not amend or supersede the relevant legislation, and in case of discrepancy, the legislation prevails.

What is included in Appendix A?

Appendix A provides a diagram explaining how to calculate barrel length and describes parts of a firearm.

Oct 5, 2026

Uploaded by cksankcs