Canadian Importing

[wb_1971]

so from everything i have read...this is a crock ?!? http://www.airsoftmegastore.com/Canada-Permitted.aspx

[Dimitri]

You may purchase all non-gun items from our web store at your leisure without import restrictions. All orders will be shipped in 1-2 business days excluding U.S. holidays. AMS will ensure that all Airsoft guns will be shipped in accordance with CBSA Memorandum D19-13-2. Airsoft guns shipped to CA will have paperwork and associated markings that clearly label muzzle velocity between 366fps-499fps. All other products available from AMS are exempt from these restrictions. We are currently only shipping via USPS.

Waiver of Liability: Please note that the Canada Border Services Agency [CBSA] may inspect and/or seize imported products pursuant to the rules and regulations that govern the importation of commodities into Canada. There may be other fees associated with the importation of Airsoft guns. It is the sole responsibility of the consumer to be aware and informed of both Canadian and local/municipal regulations regarding compliance associated with purchase and use of Airsoft guns. Only specially labeled Airsoft Guns are eligible for shipment to Canada, so please only add to cart Airsoft Guns that are clearly labeled “Canada-Permitted”. Please allow extra time for transit; orders shipping to Canada typically take 5-10 business days for transit* from the time the order is shipped from our facility in California, U.S.A.

Well they claim this ... might be possible, not sure if I'd risk it though.

Plus the fact is, airsoft guns at the retailers in Canada are already cheap enough, that shipping will eat up your savings quick if you can pick up locally.

Toronto Airsoft lists the Dboys Full Metal RAS II CQB for $220, they list it for $165, for example, and their free/cheap shipping is only for US Customers.

Based on USPS charges for a 40x10x5 box (roughly a AEG) shipping charges end up being $65 dollars from the US to Ontario, your cheaper gun just ate away its entire "cheaper price" margin and then some.

As for HST, I find any big package I've ever sent across, or had mailed to me, got dinged with Duty and HST. So American site or not, I'd expect to pay it when I'd pick it up at the post office.

Dimitri

[wb_1971]

Thats what I figured I figure im gonna stick to my local guy anyways, stay with who I trust

[Mist3r.B]

I've order one AEG 2 weeks ago, I can keep you update if it comes in

[FirestormX]

Technically the guns are legal for import as an unregulated firearm, due to their FPSes. But of course, but it's up to the CBSA agent to decide whether to seize it. Their primary method of determining if it should be seized as an imitation firearm is to check the manufacturer's specs (usually online, or in documentation). They generally disregard any note that the retailer attaches with the product that says "this has been upgraded to shoot within the legal limit of an unregulated firearm", for obvious reasons.

So it is perfectly legal to import these guns, but usually isn't worth the headache of the seizure.

[Maxxa]

Mine came from there no problem. I stayed in the "Canada Permitted" section and I ordered a CA M15 A4 a month ago and it came in a week. Does that mean you won't have any problems not really, but things are looking up.

[PrIeSt]

Where the hell are these guys coming up with those upper limits? 499 now?

[Dimitri]

Well 500fps and above (with a energy lower limit tied into it, but everyone just assumes not to pass the 500fps mark to keep it safe) becomes a "real" firearm. Which then gets regulated depending on its non-restricted, restricted or prohibited classifications.

High Power air pistols become restricted firearms, while high powered air rifles typically become non-restricted firearms.

Dimitri

[FirestormX]

Originally Posted by PrIeSt

Where the hell are these guys coming up with those upper limits? 499 now?

It was my understanding that sub-366 FPS was a replica firearm, 366-499 (or 500, not sure) is an unregulated firearm, which we can imported freely, and 500+ is a restricted firearm.

[Dimitri]

Originally Posted by FirestormX

and 500+ is a restricted firearm.

Regulated, not restricted firearm, unless it is small like a pistol etc, and meets the definition of a restricted firearm.

Dimitri

[FirestormX]

Originally Posted by Dimitri

Regulated, not restricted firearm

Right - sorry about that. I wrote that right after reading your post, where you said "regulated" and "restricted" multiple times (correctly, though), and I made a mental note not to mix up the two in my post.

...And it ended up like one of those "don't think about a pink elephant" scenarios, where I made such a hard note not to say "restricted", that it was the first word that came to mind.

[Dimitri]

No problem, just want everyone to keep on the same page before we confuse ourselves even more.

Dimitri

[Ricochet]

-Firearm (firearms act and criminal code)
Airguns or airsoft guns must exceed 152.4 meters or 500 feet per second, "AND" 5.7 joules or 4.2 foot pounds. Both of these criteria must be met or exceeded to be classified as a firearm. All guns that meet these two requirements are subject to "all" firearms related laws and regulations. Things like ownership, transport, acquisition, storage, etc will all be subject to firearms laws.

-Airgun (firearms act and criminal code)
Airgun or airsoft guns that exceed 152.4 meters or 500 feet per second "OR" 5.7 joules or 4.2 foot pounds is considered a firearm for the sake of the criminal code, but not for all purposes of the firearms act. It only has to exceed one of these (either velocity or energy) to fall into this category. These airguns are not subject to the same firearms act laws as firearms. Things like storage, ownership, transport, acquisition are not subject to the same laws; however, all criminal code still applies. If you commit a crime with one it's the same as commiting a crime with a real firearm.

If anyone is ever confused by the reclassification, consider this; your airsoft gun shoots over 500 FPS with a 0.25g BB. (With the old laws this would classify it as a firearm). Now you put 0.30g BBs in it, and it's FPS drops under 500 FPS making it not a firearm, but increasing the danger. A heavier projectile increases energy or force. Not all airgun ammunition is the same either. Metal is more dangerous than plastic for instance. This system simply covers all bases.

-Replica (firearms act, criminal code)
Airguns that replicate a real firearm with near precision or with reasonable detail is considered a replica, and replicas are prohibited. Prohibited to own, import, etc. A replica however is "not" capable of hurting someone. If you can injure or kill someone with it, it's real and not replica. 366 FPS with a 0.20g BB is the mark where the legal system has decided serious injury can occur thus changing your airsoft gun from a replica that looks like a firearm to a gun that looks like a firearm. So if you want an airsoft gun that shoots under 366 FPS it must look like an obvious toy (clear receiver), no an orange tip does not count. That law only exists in some states, and it cannot be something you can easily do to a real gun i.e. paint it orange. These airguns still fall under tge criminal code of firearms. You will be charged with a full firearms related offense if used criminally.

The CBSA is not necessarily subject to the same laws as you are. Although things are changing, they do have the ability to seize or withhold anything from getting into the country, so take care in what you import.

This is only a basic guide, and there are much more detailed posts on ASC about these issues. There are many links to legislation if anyone is ever curious.

Remember:
- never use airsoft unsafely
- never use airsoft criminally
- never ever smuggle

[Spike]

it's 500fps AND 5.7joules... which is like 785fps

[Dimitri]

Originally Posted by Spike

it's 500fps AND 5.7joules... which is like 785fps

Explain that to the masses, even LEO's and CBSA, that treat the 500fps rule the same way they did before Bill 10 passed in 2003, to keep all the legally owned pellet guns from becoming regulated firearms over night due to the RCMP's meddling with plastic pellets.

Dimitri