Canadian Customer FAQ and Info
Update April 16:
FAQ:
Q: Can I purchase from Arms East USA as a Canadian?
A: Yes you can. If the item is legal for you to own in Canada we can ship it to you.
Q: Can I purchase live ammunition, reloading powder or primers from your website?
A: At this time we do not ship these items to Canadian addresses.
Q: Do I need to obtain any licenses to import firearms?
A: No, you require a PAL/RPAL for your purchase. We take care of everything else.
Q: How long does it take?
A: We have two options below depending on what you order. Direct ship items generally are dispatched from our US location weekly or faster. Items such as firearms or scopes ship from our US office to our Canadian fulfillment centre on a bi-weekly schedule.
How to purchase from Arms East USA as a Canadian.
We have made some signifiant changes to procedure to best serve our Canadian customers. It is our goal to ship to your quickly and efficiently. Please read the following for an outline of the two methods of shipping presented to a Canadian purchase request.
1: We now offer two shipping options viewable in your cart during checkout.
You may choose to ship:
A: Directly via USPS to from our US Warehouse your address in Canada,
Shows as: USPS Priority Direct to Customer (Under$500/NLR/LVS/EAR99/Parts/Components+)) (Stamps.com – USPS)
or;
B: routed through Canada, then to you.
Shows as: Over $500/Firearm/Scope/RedDot/Licensed Item/ or Cust. Choice. Bi-Weekly Service. Route through Canada. We clear CBSA. Canada Post to your door.
A: We dispatch your package by US Postal Service Priority Mail from our location in Florida to your address.
This service is for items that do not require a specific export license or that make use of an exemption. This means:
-NLR: No License Required items such as reloading presses and tools, bags, hunting accessories and so on that are not subject to the EAR. Any value can ship direct without restriction.
-EAR99: This is a designation under the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR) used for items that are subject to the EAR, but are Not listed on the Commerce Control List (CCL), and generally do not require an export license for most destinations, including Canada. Any value EAR99 items, such as bipods, scope mount, attachments, tools, reloading equipment, accessories mounts and so forth, you can ship any value of order directly to your door in Canada.
-LVS: License Exception for “Low Value Shipments”, per the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR). For Canada, this includes most all actual parts of firearms. These items are limited to $500 total value of these items in the shipment. This value is separate from any NLR or EAR99 items also contained in the shipment.
TAX: We do not collect GST on direct export shipments. You may have tax to pay on delivery, collected by Canada Post.
An overview of EAR99, NLR and LVS
| Feature | EAR99 | NLR (No License Required) | LVS (License Value Shipment) |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is it? | Classification for low-risk, non-CCL items | Shipping status indicating no license is needed | License exception for low-value exports of controlled items |
| Is it on the CCL? | ❌ No | ❌ Not necessarily | ✅ Yes — requires ECCN |
| Is a license required? | ❌ No, for most destinations | ❌ No, if item and use are compliant | ❌ No, if total value ≤ $500 and other LVS criteria met |
| Typical use case | Grips, handguards, slings, basic parts | General exports of EAR99 or CCL items without license need | Magazines (ECCN 0A984) under $500 total |
| Requires ECCN? | ❌ No | Not necessarily | ✅ Yes |
| Export value limit? | ❌ None | ❌ None (depends on classification) | ✅ Yes — $500 total value per recipient/day |
| Canada eligible? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (if LVS conditions met) |
| Example item | Rifle stock or sling | Iron sight to a PAL holder | 5 magazines under $500 total |
| Controlled by... | U.S. Department of Commerce (BIS) | U.S. Department of Commerce (BIS) | U.S. Department of Commerce (BIS) |
Some Examples of EAR99 Items – Any Value may be shipped directly under option A.
| Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🔹 Typical EAR99 (No ECCN) | ||
| 🔘 Grips (rifle/pistol) | EAR99 – NLR | Standard grips with no special military function. Legal for export to Canada. |
| 🔘 Slings, sling mounts | EAR99 – NLR | Commercial-use accessories. No license required. |
| 🔘 Cleaning kits / rods / brushes | EAR99 – NLR | General-use tools. Legal and unrestricted. |
| 🔘 Iron sights (non-electronic) | EAR99 – NLR | Basic non-optical aiming aids. Not on the CCL. |
| 🔘 Tools and gunsmithing fixtures | EAR99 – NLR | Barrel blocks, vices, torque wrenches, etc. for general use. |
| 🔘 Mounting hardware (nuts, screws, spacers) | EAR99 – NLR | Generic hardware, not restricted under CCL. |
| 🔹 Other Exportable Accessories | ||
| 🔘 Bipods & monopods | EAR99 – NLR | Legal to export to Canada. Not controlled as targeting systems. |
| 🔘 Range bags, belts, soft cases | EAR99 – NLR | General sporting goods. No license required. |
| 🔘 Dummy rounds / snap caps | EAR99 – NLR | Not live ammo. Legal to export under EAR99. Canada does not restrict import. |
| 🔘 Rail covers, panels, M-LOK accessories | EAR99 – NLR | No licensing needed for export to Canada. |
Examples of items shippable directly to Canadian end-user under LVS Exemption. Total Value of shipment under $500. No more than 12 shipments to end user per year, total value $6000/12 months.
| Item | ECCN | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🔹 Rifle Parts | ||
| 🔘 Barrels | 0A984 | Legal unless for prohibited class firearms. PAL required. |
| 🔘 Bolt carrier groups | 0A984 | Legal in Canada and exportable under LVS if ≤ $500 total. |
| 🔘 Charging handles | 0A984 | No Canadian restrictions. U.S. LVS applies. |
| 🔘 Gas tubes, blocks, buffer kits | 0A984 | Minor parts used in rifle builds. |
| 🔘 Buttstocks | 0A984 | Exportable under LVS. Must not be for prohibited rifles. |
| 🔘 Compensators / muzzle brakes | 0A984 | Legal if not flash hiders or suppressors. |
| 🔘 Upper receivers (non-serialized) | 0A984 | ⚠️ AR-15 uppers are prohibited. Others legal if not for banned firearms. |
| 🔘 Handguards / forends | 0A984 | Exportable under LVS. No Canadian restrictions if not for a prohibited platform. |
| 🔘 Grips | 0A984 | PAL not typically required. Legal under LVS. |
| 🔘 Small parts (pins, detents, springs) | 0A984 | Exportable under LVS. Confirm not for banned firearm type. |
| 🔘 Safety selectors & levers | 0A984 | Legal for semi-auto only. PAL may be required. |
| 🔹 Handgun Parts | ||
| 🔘 Slides | 0A984 | Exportable. PAL required. Handgun must not be prohibited. |
| 🔘 Barrels (must be over 106mm / 4.17") | 0A984 | Shorter barrels are prohibited in Canada. PAL required. |
| 🔘 Trigger assemblies / fire control | 0A984 | PAL may be required depending on component. |
| 🔘 Recoil springs & guide rods | 0A984 | Exportable under LVS. No Canadian restrictions. |
| 🔘 Magazine catches, slide stops | 0A984 | PAL may be required. Minor internal parts. |
| 🔘 Small parts (firing pins, extractors) | 0A984 | Legal under LVS. Must not be for prohibited handgun. |
| 🔹 Shotgun Parts | ||
| 🔘 Barrels | 0A984 | PAL required. Legal unless for a prohibited shotgun. |
| 🔘 Bolt assemblies | 0A984 | Exportable under LVS. Confirm platform is not banned. |
| 🔘 Buttstocks | 0A984 | PAL may be required depending on configuration. |
| 🔘 Handguards / pump forends | 0A984 | Legal under LVS. Not restricted by default. |
| 🔘 Small parts (ejectors, springs, pins) | 0A984 | Exportable under LVS. PAL may apply based on part type. |
| 🔹 Magazines | ||
| 🔘 Magazines | 0A984 | Must meet Canadian capacity limits: 5 rounds for semi-auto rifles/shotguns, 10 rounds for handguns. PAL required. |
| 🔹 Reloading Components | ||
| 🔘 Rifle bullets (projectiles only) | NLR | Not live ammunition. Can be shipped direct to Canada by USPS. Not on CCL. |
| 🔘 Brass casings (unprimed) | NLR | Unloaded, empty brass. No ECCN. USPS-direct export to Canada allowed. |
| Item | Status | Export Note |
|---|---|---|
| 🔹 Exported to Canada Under NLR (No ECCN Assigned) | ||
| 🔘 Grips (rifle/pistol) | NLR | Commercial plastic or polymer grips. Not on the CCL. |
| 🔘 Slings & sling mounts | NLR | Fabric or polymer slings and loops. No license required. |
| 🔘 Handguards (non-integrated) | NLR | Non-electronic handguards for rifles and shotguns. |
| 🔘 Iron sights (non-optical) | NLR | Flip-up, adjustable, or fixed mechanical sights. Not controlled. |
| 🔘 Rails & M-LOK accessories | NLR | Mounting and modular attachment hardware. |
| 🔘 Range bags, belts, soft cases | NLR | Textile gear for sporting or tactical use. Not regulated. |
| 🔘 Cleaning kits, rods, patches | NLR | Maintenance tools and accessories for civilian firearms. |
| 🔘 Cleaning media (corn cob, walnut, liquid) | NLR | Used in tumbler or ultrasonic cleaning. Commercial-use only. |
| 🔘 Dummy rounds / snap caps | NLR | Training aids and dry-fire tools. Not live ammunition. |
| 🔘 Mounting screws, nuts, and spacers | NLR | Standard hardware. Not controlled by any ECCN. |
| 🔹 Reloading Tools (NLR Exportable) | ||
| 🔘 Reloading presses | NLR | Manual or motorized. Not controlled under EAR. No ECCN. |
| 🔘 Reloading dies & bushings | NLR | Used to form, resize, or seat ammunition components. No license required. |
| 🔘 Case trimmers, deburring tools | NLR | Case prep tools for brass resizing and chamfering. |
| 🔘 Powder tricklers & scales | NLR | Mechanical or digital. Legal to export under EAR99. |
| 🔘 Priming tools (manual or bench) | NLR | Used to insert primers. Not covered under any ECCN. |
| 🔹 Notes | ||
|
• These items have no ECCN and are therefore classified as EAR99. • They are exported using the shipping code NLR (No License Required). • All exports must still comply with end-use, end-user, and destination screening requirements. | ||
To recap, the items above may be shipped using option A: USPS Priority Direct to Customer (Under$500/NLR/LVS/EAR99/Parts/Components+)) (Stamps.com – USPS)
Shipping Option B: Items that require licensing, Routed Shipping through our Canadian Location.
This includes items such as:
-firearms, firearm receivers,
-magnified optics (rifle scopes) or red-dot type optics, and
-orders of ECCN listed items in value over $500, or
-any order where the customer would prefer Arms East handle border clearance and reshipping in Canada to their address.
We ship to Canada on a bi-weekly schedule.
Example: The purchase of a rifle and rifle scope.
Add items to your cart and complete order choosing shipping option B. Over $500/Firearm/Scope/RedDot/Licensed Item/ or Cust. Choice. Bi-Weekly Service. Route through Canada. We clear CBSA. Canada Post to your door.
Ensure that you upload your PAL if the option is active, otherwise email your PAL and Drivers License to Arms East USA.
We will ship your items first to our Ottawa, Ontario location on a biweekly schedule. GST is collected at time of checkout.
Our Canadian office will
-clear the goods into Canada on your behalf
-complete any formalities for legal purchase, such as verifying your PAL with the Canadian Firearms Program,
-invoice you and collect payment for any outstanding duties or tariffs (see note below), then
-ship the package to your address via Canada Post Expedited Mail, signature required, insured for full value.
| Item | Shipping Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🔹 Items Requiring Routing Through Arms East Canada First | ||
| 🔘 Firearm parts (order total over $500 USD) | Must route through Arms East Canada | Exceeds U.S. EAR LVS threshold. Routed for BIS license compliance and re-shipping. |
| 🔘 Complete rifles or shotguns | Must route through Arms East Canada | Export-controlled and must be registered for Canadian import. Cannot ship direct to consumers. |
| 🔘 Red dot optics | Must route through Arms East Canada | Typically classified under ECCN 0A987 or 6A003. Requires proper documentation and IIC. |
| 🔘 Magnified rifle scopes (any power) | Must route through Arms East Canada | Controlled under EAR. Requires Canadian IIC and must pass BIS export screening. |
| 🔘 Thermal or night vision devices | Must route through Arms East Canada | Highly regulated. Requires BIS export license and Canadian IIC. Direct shipment prohibited. |
| 🔘 Customer-requested customs clearance | Ship to Arms East Canada | For customers who prefer CBSA clearance and domestic delivery. Applies to any part or accessory. |
| 🔹 Notes | ||
|
• These items are shipped from the U.S. to Arms East Canada before final delivery to the customer. • We handle Canadian import registration, BIS licensing, and CBSA documentation on your behalf. • Once cleared, items are shipped domestically within Canada via Canada Post or preferred courier. | ||
- Canadian import duties on goods manufactured outside the USMCA (United States, Mexico, Canada)
- At time of writing. Retaliatory tariffs imposed by Canada on firearms, ammunition and ammo componments from the USA.
- A bolt-action sporting rifle manufactured in a Most Favoured Nation (MFN) country like Switzerland is subject to a 3.5% Canadian import duty.
- A 25% retaliatory tariff currently applies to complete firearms, ammunition, and ammunition components.
- (NOTE: The 25% retaliatory tariffs does NOT apply to firearm parts, tools, optics, slings, handguards, or other accessories.)
Shipping to most Canadian addresses is included in the price shown at checkout. In some cases, particularly for remote or rural addresses, additional shipping charges may apply. Only the actual cost of shipping will be assessed — we do not mark up shipping or profit from it. We always strive to minimize your cost and ship by the most economical and reliable method available.
TL/DR: Firearms, Scopes and Red-dots have to ship to Arms East Canada first. Most parts and components under $500 can ship directly to the customer if they prefer. Some exceptions apply.
Any questions, please fill ask below!