Optics from US to Canada

[u/Wooden_Week5385]

I’m looking to buy a Holosun 510C and an Aimpoint PRO but they’re quite expensive north of the border here. But at Cabela’s down in freedom land, the 510C alone is $56 cheaper even with the conversion rate. With a little help of Google I found that technically you’re not allowed to bring US bought optics across the border into Canada but the Canadian border side has no issue with it.

Has anyone tried this or have any advice or experience with this? I’m always down for good deal but also don’t to get into a ton of trouble.

EDIT: upon further reflection after getting ripped in the comments, I’ve decided not to be an absolute cheap skate and buck up the extra monies and just buy it here. After all, Carney and the libs need my tax dollars to try and ban more guns 🤙

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[u/Omega_Shaman]

If caught by the Americans you are right fucked. Not exactly worth $50 savings.

[u/son_of_ghandicap → u/Omega_Shaman]

the things people will do to save ~45 bucks LMAO

[u/Blackwalls69 → u/Omega_Shaman]

Yep - CBP's exact words " it's a great way to land yourself of a terror watchlist"

[u/faultysynapse]

If it's an itar item, don't fuck with it. 

[u/DoYouGetSarcasm → u/faultysynapse]

It's not.

[u/casa_del_porno → u/DoYouGetSarcasm]

Aimpoint Pro used to be, changed a few years back. But still need an export permit to Canada

[u/DoYouGetSarcasm → u/casa_del_porno]

So it's not itar, then the people bringing up the big bad itar are just fear mongering with false hoods (whether they know it or not).

[u/looloopklopm]

Personally, that amount of savings is not worth the time/hassle.

[u/SecureNarwhal]

$56 isn't even worth the effort to get down there let alone deal with the paperwork to export and import it.

If you're buying from a store willing to do the export/import paperwork (I don't think we're allowed to link stores anymore but they are at least 3 that I know of) you're still gonna spend more than $56 in shipping and any adminstrative charge they may have

[u/th3badwolf_1234]

If it's not exempt of export restrictions under EAR99 you'll need an export permit from the store and they most likely won't want to do the paperwork.

Buy in Canada, support Canadian jobs.

[u/Specialist_Chard5231 → u/th3badwolf_1234]

I have done the paperwork. 15 minutes for the first time. I bet it would take less then 5 minutes now.

Still that 50$ will disappear in shipping costs.

[u/h3IIfir3pho3nix]

Canada doesn't really care, but if you get caught on the US side it's a literal crime if you haven't done the export paperwork. You could go to prison, not worth the risk for $50.

Edit: https://deccs.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=KB0010124

The fines for violating ITAR are up to $1MM in fines and/or 20 years in prison. It's a pretty big deal.

[u/Specialist_Chard5231 → u/h3IIfir3pho3nix]

Regular optics are not ITAR they are restricted by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS).

[u/StairwayHiker]

I have no idea, but you would definitely get hit either an import duty.

Buy in Canada ffs.

$56 is not worth it.

[u/613mitch]

You need an import permit for optics in canada, and a expprt permit from the US. Its not worth the hassle.

[u/murd3rsaurus]

Do you want to deal with the current administration sticking you in a lockup until it's convenient for them?

[u/RydNightwish → u/murd3rsaurus]

We don't kink shame on this sub.

[u/fungus_bunghole]

"There are only two things I can't stand in this world: People who are intolerant of other people's cultures, and the Dutch."

[u/swift_gilford]

Has anyone tried this or have any advice or experience with this? I’m always down for good deal but also don’t to get into a ton of trouble.

Lots of people do it, but generally they do it for high end optics that are like $6k here and $2.5k in the USA (looking at you Razor Gen iii's).

There are always risks because the issue is if you get stopped by US on the way out you are in for a world of issues.

Imo, in your situation of saving $60, it isn't worth the risk.

[u/Mysterious_Sleep7443]

Canada customs could give a $hit less what you bring back as long as its legal in Canada

This includes upto 5000 rounds of ammunition per person

The problem lies with the ATF/DHS Pre Screening checkpoints before the border

I have been thru 1 in the 100 times ive crossed

Do what you want with this information

[u/greekdude1821]

Unless it's a specialty item you can't find here, it's not worth it.

[u/IcyAbbreviations9514]

Lol. Freedom land. Yeesh

[u/DoYouGetSarcasm]

People illegally smuggle shit out of the US every day, getting caught is rare.

Getting caught also isn't really a big deal, they just take your stuff and ban you from coming back. I guess now days they MIGHT ice you for a few months too. If it's your first run in with the law would have expected them not to prosecute and imprison you, but in recent years Canada/us relations have deteriorated so it's hard to say.

[u/h3IIfir3pho3nix → u/DoYouGetSarcasm]

https://deccs.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=KB0010124

The fines for violating ITAR are up to $1MM in fines and/or 20 years in prison. It's a pretty big deal.

[u/DoYouGetSarcasm → u/h3IIfir3pho3nix]

1) you must not get sarcasm.

2) These are EAR99 items so itar doesn't apply.

Scroll down to the second bold header

"Determine Whether An Export License Is Required".

" There are 30 countries to which you can export telescopic, holographic, reflex, red dot and reticle sight, other sighting devices that contain optical elements, laser aiming devices and laser illuminators — which are classified in ECCN 0A504.a through 0A504.f – without an export license. An approved export license is required for exports to all other countries, including Canada. "

https://blog.easyexport.net/the-5-requirements-for-exporting-firearm-optics-legally