Argo Customs Brokers is dedicated to maintaining clear communication with their customers and those who wish to keep themselves informed about important importing and exporting regulations. As such, we present pertinent points from a news release issued by Global Affairs Canada.
The news release titled Temporary Ban on Importation of Handguns Into Canada Now in Effect was published on August 19, 2022 by Global Affairs Canada.
A temporary ban on restricted handgun imports has been announced by the Hon. Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Hon. Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety. Individuals and businesses will no longer be able to apply for permits for import-restricted handguns into Canada, with narrow exceptions. These measures will be in force until the proposed in Bill C-21 goes into effect.
Less than three months after Canadian Minister of Public Safety, Mark Mendicino, announced new gun control laws, the government has temporarily banned the import of handguns into the country. The bill represents a shift by the federal government to rely on regulation rather than legislation.
“My top priority as minister of public safety is keeping Canadians safe. This temporary ban is further proof that we are using all the tools at our disposal to fight gun crime. It is a key pillar of our plan to address it, along with investments in prevention, action at our borders, a ban on assault-style weapons and Bill C‑21: Canada’s most significant action on gun violence in a generation.” –Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety
Bill C-21 is one of the most stringent gun control laws passed by Parliament in decades. The bill would also include stricter penalties for people who smuggle guns into the country and for people who traffic them. Meanwhile, the number of firearms seized at border crossings more than doubled in 2021, compared to 2020.
Key Takeaways
- Canada’s Firearms Act and Part III of the Criminal Code regulate firearms.
- Canada regulates a variety of imports on the Export and Import Permits Act Import Control List.
- The 2021 budget provided $312 million to expand weapons tracing and strengthen border control to prevent gun smuggling and trafficking.
- The Canadian government has already introduced Firearms Act revisions that will take effect in the Fall of 2022.
- The Canadian government launched Bill C-21 in May 2022 to reduce gun violence.
Associated Links
Export and Import Controls – Firearms: Requirements for exporting prohibited firearms
Import Control List and the Export and Import Permits Act.
Canadian Firearms Program – Overview: ARCHIVED – RPP 2006-2007 – Royal Canadian Mounted Police 5 / 6 (canada.ca)
Bill C-21: An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms)
Argo Customs Brokers is Available to Assist
If you are an individual or represent a company that imports handguns or wishes to do so, make sure to read the above notification from Global Affairs Canada and the associated links regarding regulations thoroughly. The team at Argo Customs Brokers is always available to answer questions about importing and exporting and can help you to understand the effect that this new temporary ban can have on your plans. All inquiries are welcome.