Packing up a firearm

The process for mailing firearms has got a little more complicated due to the challenges presented by COVID-19. As of May 1, 2020, Canada Post (CP) updated the requirements for shipping firearms (including imitation and replica firearms) within Canada.  

At press time in mid-June all firearms mailed by customers must utilize Regular or Expedited Parcel and include the Proof of Age Option. Consumers will also have to open a Solutions for Small Business account and create labels for shipping firearms using the online shipping tool, Snap Ship. Previously consumers could ship firearms by Regular Parcel with Signature option. 

Permission to ship

CP also asks customers to contact the Canadian Firearms Program first at https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms or by calling 1-800-731-4000 to determine whether the firearm in question is permissible to ship.

Standard mailing precautions required for shipping firearms must still be adhered to. They include:

  • Ensuring the firearm(s) is unloaded.
  • Ensuring no ammunition is in the firearm or package.
  • Attaching a secure locking device to the firearm(s).
  • The firearm(s) must be locked in a sturdy, non-transparent container.
  • The bolt or bolt carrier must be removed from any automatic firearms (if removable).
  • Firearms also cannot be shipped via air and cannot have any markings on the outside of the packaging.  

As always, the customer is solely responsible for meeting all Canadian Firearms Centre regulations.

The requirements are different for contract customers.

CP could not be reached by press time for the August issue to determine the policy’s duration. Their website says the new requirements are due to changes in CP delivery processes while COVID-19 precautions are in effect.

Click here for more details on these requirements

For more on what’s happening with firearms, click here

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