Firearms
In accordance with the Firearms Act, the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) oversees firearms licences and registration, maintains national firearm safety training standards, assists law enforcement agencies and aims to enhance public safety. Firearms in Canada continue to be regulated by the Firearms Act and Part III of the Criminal Code.
Services and information
Licensing
Information about requirements for firearms licences, including exceptions in certain circumstances, for individuals and businesses.
Importing and exporting
Information about the procedures and regulations for importing and exporting firearms, ammunition and list of licensed carriers.
Registration of firearms
Information about types of firearms and firearm registration requirements for restricted and prohibited firearms.
Buying, selling, and transferring firearms
Information about the requirements for buying, selling and transferring firearms.
Firearms safety, training, transport and storage
Information on firearms safety training and guidelines for safe practices in storing, transporting, and displaying firearms.
Executors and beneficiaries
Information for executors of estates and beneficiaries of firearms, including the legal procedures involved.
Shooting clubs and ranges
Information on design guidelines and sound requirements for shooting clubs and ranges.
Classes of firearms
Firearms in Canada fall into three different classes: non-restricted, restricted, and prohibited.
History of firearms in Canada
Information about the History of firearms in Canada.
Firearms forms and reports
Firearms forms for individuals, businesses and police and public agencies.
Contact a Chief Firearms Officer
Chief firearms officers' contact information.
Contact the Canadian Firearms Program
Information to contact the Canadian Firearms Program.
Current topics
- What you need to know: Requirements for the transfer of cartridge magazines as a result of Bill C-21
- Legislation to reduce gun violence receives Royal Assent
- What you need to know about the Government of Canada’s May 1, 2020 prohibition on certain firearms and devices
- Firearms Buyback Program
- Government announces strengthened measures to prevent gun violence and ban new assault-style firearms
- New firearms possession and acquisition licence cards
- A comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun laws in Canada: BILL C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms)
- What you need to know: Recent changes in handgun regulations
- Notice to Importers No. 1090 – Temporary requirements for importing restricted handguns into Canada until the coming into force of the proposed amendments to the Firearms Act under Bill C-21
- Former Bill C-71 - What you need to know - Effective on May 18, 2022
- Changes to service fees
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