doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Info/Forms needed to move Guns thru Canada

Need some info....
Moving to Alaska and will be taking the ALCAN up.
Before I hit the border, what info/forms will I need to have ready for the Canadian customs folks? Any problems with ammo or muzzle loading rifles?

I'll be bringing 5-10 shotguns/rifles (hopefully that isn't a problem)

On the other end in Alaska, any issues with Re-crossing the border?

Thanks Guys...

Yes, and Yes. You will need to register your guns with US Customs prior to leaving, so that when you enter Alaska, you can prove that the guns are yours, and you are simply bringing them back into the US from Canada. That registration is good forever.

Yes, you will need to register your guns going into Canada. If I remember correctly, there is a fee of about $25, but I don't remember if that is per gun or a one-time fee that can be applied to a number of guns. I believe that form is good for 90 days. Google up "Canadian Gun Laws", and you will be directed to a Canadian site which can answer your questions

In each case, if your border port is like Detroit/Windsor, DO NOT bring the guns into the office. Have the serial numbers, and if the agent wants to verify the numbers, he/she will come out to your car.

Good luck

Three guns into Canada for a year is $25. But I don't know if this is merely for moving them through. Sorry I lost the URL.

have a look at - http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/factsheets/visitin_e.asp - form JUS 909.

Register your arms with US Customs (Customs Form 4457) before leaving our country.

"If you are declaring more than 3 firearms, please complete and attach a Non-Resident firearm Declaration - Continuation Sheet (CAFC 910). If you need a continuation sheet, you can call us at either 1-800-731-4000 in Canada and the USA or at 506-624-4380 outside Canada and the USA and we will send you copies. These sheets are also available at any Canada Border Services Agency office."
Bottom line, ......call and request a 909 and a 910 form. And have a US Customs form 4457 for re-entry.

Also be prepared for the question, " Why do you need guns?" or "What is the purpose of the gun?". The answer they always wanted from me was "hunting".

If you don't think shipping the guns to yourself in Alaska is an option, I would make friends with a US Customs official. The usual drill is to get the 4457 filled out in advance and have an official verify that you possess the guns before he/she signs. Be specific enough so that extra sets of barrels, etc. are described. This is done a couple of guns at a time or you should make an appointment.

As for the Canadian side of things, the forms required are as described above. If you are obviously moving house (maybe towing a trailer), be honest and say these are your hunting guns which you are moving to a new residence. Try not to cross the border at peak times. Have the forms filled out in advance and the guns ready for access if requested. Be sure you have the US paperwork in order and ready to present. It will almost entirely depend on the luck of the draw as to which personnel you find.

I also print out the applicable regulations and have a copy with me.

In my experience, all processes depend on serial numbers. If there are different numbers on actions, barrels and forends, record them. If you have that information from a third party, either the person from whom you purchased, a gunsmith, or other, so much the better.