r/canadaguns • u/YaHomie-JC • Jun 15 '26
Application / Regulation advice Importing Optics from the US to Canada
I've been running into a lot of conflicting information lately about importing optics from the US to Canada. Some people say they've bought scopes online from US retailers with no problem, while others have had their items stopped at the border. From what I can tell, scopes in the US used to fall under ITAR but are now regulated under the Department of Commerce's EAR instead.
I'm looking at buying optics secondhand from private sellers in the US, so my main question is: under the new regulations, would they run into any issues shipping the optics up to Canada?
The two I'm after are the Bushnell Match Pro 5-30x56 and the Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36x56, both of which I can get for less than half of what any shop in Canada charges.
Any insight from people who've actually done this would be appreciated.
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u/EvanAzzo Jun 15 '26
Scopes are covered under ITAR. If US Customs finds it on an export check there will be problems for you.
However coming into Canada, Canada customs doesn't care about ITAR. So it's if no concern to them as long as you declare the value and pay the applicable tax
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u/YaHomie-JC Jun 15 '26
Does US customs check you on your way back into Canada? I can't remember if I spoke to US customs on my way back into Canada the last time I went on a road trip to the US.
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u/EvanAzzo Jun 15 '26
You can be subject to search on exit if US Customs decides to run export checks that day.
I've had it happen more than a couple of times, however I live at a busy port of entry.
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u/YaHomie-JC Jun 15 '26
Damn. I don't think I'd be willing to risk getting into legal trouble over an optic, even if its 2k cheaper, what a bummer.
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u/EvanAzzo Jun 17 '26
One time back in the day I got pulled in for an export check because a control officer on the US side saw I had a Glock sticker on the rear window. He flagged me into the secondary area on the US side before I paid to exit the country.
During the course of their search they found Cadweld brand exothermic welding compound which, at the time in my job we used to terminate ground plates to cable. Before I know it the officer is coming to me and asking me "what's with the gunpowder in your truck?" I explained I didn't have gun powder. He showed me the "shot", a small plastic container with the powdery compound in it. I explained to him what it was. He googled it. He came back after conferring with some other officers and they sent me on my way delayed by about an hour and a half.
It happens. They're within their rights, and your rights, to do it. Don't risk it. Get a broker.
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u/georgeofthejungle71 Jun 15 '26
They do on occasion. At peace arch I've been through us cbp checks setup in front of the Canadian border twice. Do you have any firearms, ammunition components or parts in the car? No. Please open the trunk. Ok bye. Same script twice.
I would not mess with this one at all
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u/YaHomie-JC Jun 15 '26
Thanks for sharing your experience! I definitely won't be risking it, not worth it!
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u/black_covfefe_please Jun 17 '26
Not usually, but I have seen a check setup when I was on my way down. So it does happen. Based on my statistics, I'd estimate about 2% of the time.
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Jun 15 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/YaHomie-JC Jun 15 '26
Thanks, this is super helpful. I have looked into US mailboxes for other reasons and they're relatively inexpensive which is great.
It makes sense that the Canadian border agents wouldn't care but the last time I crossed the land border to head to NY and back, I think I spoke with US and Canadian border agents on the way back. If I did run into a US border agent then I'm guessing that would be a big problem, do you know if there would be any fine or penalty?
I rather spend the egregious Canadian prices instead of a fine or worse.
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u/Cre_AK47 Name Prohibited by OIC Jun 15 '26 edited Jun 15 '26
If I did run into a US border agent then I'm guessing that would be a big problem, do you know if there would be any fine or penalty?
Criminal charges with imprisonment possible, huge fines, scope seizure. ITAR/EAR is not something you want to screw with. Of course, being an "alien", you'd be barred from the US for at least 10 years, if not more.
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u/swift_gilford Jun 15 '26
If I did run into a US border agent then I'm guessing that would be a big problem, do you know if there would be any fine or penalty?
Not sure about fines. But if you don't have the export paperwork and that US agent knows its something that shouldn't be leaving the country they'll at minimum confiscate it.
A lot of the people I've talked to are Ontario based so we are generally coming back through Niagara and that definitely has options to cross where you strictly only deal with CBSA re-entering Canada.
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u/YaHomie-JC Jun 15 '26
I would likely be crossing through Niagara, which crossing are you referring to, Rainbow Bridge or Lewiston-Queenston Bridge?
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u/murd3rsaurus Jun 15 '26
Worked at a Toronto shop and had a couple caveats on that. Canada doesn't care if you've got receipts. America very much does, especially if you've got a fast pass. Had a handful of customers get stopped by the US Border guys, asked about their trips, and then when they avoided mentioning the mailbox got directly questioned about it because the border guys already knew.
Long story short, optics confiscated & fat fines, fast past cancelled and banned from entering the USA from then on. If you have to work or travel to the USA for other important stuff I wouldn't recommend it especially in the current political climate if you're not a dead ringer for wonderbread
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u/DoYouGetSarcasm Jun 15 '26
Yes, scopes fall under EAR. Yes There is special paperwork to export scopes from the US to Canada (that is not needed for expecting to most other countries).
I didn't know what the paperwork is but someone is supposed to do it and if they don't the item may be caught and stopped at the boarder.
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u/JJJJJ2119 Jun 15 '26
I have friends who’ve done it, both by plane and car but you’re taking a massive risk of course. I’ve personally never seen an export checks crossing Niagara/Buffalo but who knows. Personally I’d never because it’s just not worth the risk.
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u/Specialist_Chard5231 Jun 18 '26
Contact the optic zone out of North Dakota. They will do the correct paperwork to legally export a optic to Canada. Great prices, mom and pop shop. They even tell you how to do the paperwork on the Canadian side.
I don't believe optics have a low value exception under the department of commerce. So paperwork has to be filed to export out of the US.
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u/Responsible-Car915 Jun 17 '26
ITAR scares me out of buying Chinese thermals off Amazon USA, deliver to USA bring over myself.
Instead I been buying directly from china on aliexpress which tbf is cheaper but one of them failed security and never left china 🥲.
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u/Cre_AK47 Name Prohibited by OIC Jun 15 '26
Honestly, I'd contact IRUNGUNS and ask if they can import the scope for you. Yeah, it will eat into the cost saving, but let me tell you, an extra $500 USD in paperwork is cheaper than catching a criminal charge in a foreign country.