How Canadians Can Buy Firearms from the USA
The US firearms market is significantly larger than Canada’s — more manufacturers, more models, more inventory, and often better pricing. Arms East makes it possible for Canadian buyers with a valid PAL to access that market directly, through two distinct services.
Two Ways to Buy
Buy Directly from Arms East Inventory
Arms East maintains an active inventory of firearms available for purchase by Canadian customers. Browse our full selection at armseast.com — Canadian buyers can purchase directly through the site with a checkout process designed for PAL holders.
At checkout you’ll provide your PAL information and upload your licence documentation. Everything else — export from our facility in Florida, cross-border shipping, and Canadian import processing — is handled by Arms East. Your firearm is shipped directly to the address on your PAL in accordance with Canadian shipping regulations, with full shipment tracking available through your Arms East account.
All known fees — including shipping from our Florida facility and Canadian import fees — are disclosed at checkout before you confirm your order. In the rare event of unforeseen regulatory costs, Arms East will notify you prior to proceeding.
GunBroker Proxy Service — We Buy For You
Can’t find what you’re looking for in our inventory? GunBroker is the largest online firearms marketplace in the United States, with millions of listings from thousands of sellers. The catch: most GunBroker sellers won’t sell directly to Canadian buyers, and completing a US auction purchase requires a licensed US FFL to receive the firearm.
Arms East solves both problems. Through our GunBroker Proxy Service, Arms East USA purchases the firearm as the licensed dealer of record and subsequently exports it to Canada in compliance with US law. You get access to the full GunBroker marketplace — including auction finds, rare models, and US-market pricing — without needing to navigate the transaction yourself.
How the Proxy Service Works
Step 1: Submit your request
Log into your Arms East account and navigate to the GunBroker portal through your Canadian Account Dashboard. Submit details on the firearm you’re looking for — specific listing URL, make, model, calibre, and your maximum bid or purchase price.
Step 2: Arms East purchases as dealer of record
Arms East USA, as a licensed FFL dealer, purchases the firearm as the dealer of record and receives it at our Florida facility. We handle all US-side compliance, including any required export authorization.
Step 3: Export and shipping
Once received at our Florida facility, Arms East manages the full US export and Canadian import process, including any required export licensing under applicable US regulations. Your firearm is shipped to the address on your PAL in accordance with Canadian shipping regulations.
Step 4: You receive your firearm
Your firearm is delivered fully documented and compliant with Canadian import requirements. Track your shipment at every stage through your Arms East account. Registration will be completed in accordance with Canadian Firearms Program requirements where applicable.
What You Need to Buy
- A valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) — non-restricted endorsement for rifles and shotguns, restricted endorsement for restricted firearms
- A verified Arms East account with your PAL documentation on file
- Canadian residency and legal eligibility to acquire and possess the firearm under Canadian law
Arms East handles all required documentation on our end — you provide your PAL and we take care of the rest.
What Canadians Can Buy from the US
Importability depends on both Canadian firearms classification and US export authorization. Arms East will confirm both prior to completing any transaction. In general terms:
- Bolt-action, lever-action, pump-action rifles and shotguns — the most commonly imported category, generally straightforward
- Semi-automatic shotguns — generally importable, subject to confirmation
- Rimfire firearms — bolt and lever-action rimfire generally importable; verify semi-automatic rimfire models against the RCMP prohibited list before ordering
- Restricted firearms (with restricted PAL endorsement) — importable subject to confirmation, registration completed per Canadian Firearms Program requirements on arrival
- Handguns — importation by Canadian civilians is currently not available under Canada’s handgun transfer freeze, subject to change under federal policy, with narrow exceptions for Olympic and Paralympic sport shooters and wilderness carry (ATC) permit holders. Arms East will not process handgun proxy requests under freeze conditions.
If you’re unsure whether a specific firearm is importable into Canada, contact us before submitting a proxy request. We’ll confirm both Canadian eligibility and US export authorization before placing any bid or purchase.
Export Compliance
All firearms exports from the United States are conducted in compliance with applicable US export regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) or International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) where applicable. Export authorization is obtained prior to shipment. Purchasers may be required to provide end-use and end-user documentation as part of the export process.
Why Buy from the US Market?
Selection. The US market carries models, configurations, and manufacturers that aren’t available through Canadian distributors. If you’ve been searching for something specific and can’t find it domestically, GunBroker likely has it.
Pricing. US retail and auction pricing on many firearms is competitive with or below Canadian market prices, even with shipping from Florida factored in.
Availability. Popular firearms sell out quickly in Canada. The US market has significantly more inventory depth.
Auction finds. GunBroker’s auction format regularly surfaces firearms below market value. Our proxy service lets you participate in those auctions without managing the transaction yourself.
Your Canadian Account Dashboard
Once you create an Arms East account and verify your PAL, your Canadian Account Dashboard gives you a central place to manage everything:
- Upload and manage your PAL and RPAL documentation
- Access the GunBroker proxy portal to submit purchase requests
- Track your orders and shipments in real time — from our Florida facility to your door
- View your consignment submissions if you’re also selling through us
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a PAL to buy through Arms East?
Yes. A valid PAL is required for all firearms purchases. You’ll upload your PAL documentation when you create your account.
How long does the proxy service take?
Typical processing time from purchase to delivery is 4–8 weeks, but regulatory approvals may extend timelines depending on the specific firearm and export authorization requirements.
Can I specify a maximum bid for GunBroker auctions?
Yes. When you submit a proxy request, you set the maximum amount you’re willing to pay. We will not exceed that amount.
What if the auction is lost or the item sells before we can purchase it?
No purchase means no charge. We’ll notify you and you can submit a new request for a different listing.
Are there restrictions on what US states I can buy from?
Some US states have restrictions on certain types of transfers. Arms East handles all dealer-to-dealer transfers on the US side — we’ll flag any state-specific issues when you submit a request.
What happens if the firearm arrives and isn’t as described?
We inspect firearms at our facility before shipping to Canada. If there’s a significant discrepancy from the listing, we’ll contact you before proceeding.
Legal Responsibility & Regulatory Changes
Canadian purchasers are solely responsible for ensuring they are legally eligible to acquire and possess firearms under Canadian law. Arms East reserves the right to refuse or cancel any transaction that cannot be completed in compliance with US or Canadian law. Firearms laws and export regulations are subject to change without notice — processing timelines and eligibility may be affected by regulatory updates.
Get Started
Create your Arms East account, upload your PAL, and start browsing inventory or submit a GunBroker proxy request.
Shop Arms East Inventory → Create an Account →
For informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Canadian import regulations and US export regulations apply to all firearms transactions. Arms East will confirm importability and export authorization for your specific firearm before proceeding with any purchase.