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I wonder how reputable Canadian businesses are bringing these in if they are replica's.

If it were me, I would just buy in Canada. Not worth the risk to me. If CBSA decided to confiscate it from you, you will have a record of trying to import prohibited weapon.

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Or have them shipped to Canada?

When I was a teen we crossed the border with replica pellet guns that looked like handguns and were more than 500 fps. We stashed them in the trunk to hide them. Luckily the vehicle I was in made it through the border, yet the other vehicle got stopped and searched. They found the handguns and we not impressed. My friends were lucky to be let go with a strict warning and the guns confiscated.

This was in the mid-90s, long before 9-11 and the new security measures. Imagine what they'd do now! Even for $150 savings, I would not want to risk the hassle.

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But it comes back to the individual CBSA agent at the border to make the final determination. Is it worth the risk?

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That's true, I forgot about that. As long as you declare it and are up front, if the person decides it's not admissable, they do give you the option of returning to the US right away to refund it before coming back.

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I can't say that I'm the most knowledgeable one here, but I do have a few things to clarify in case people read this and got the wrong idea.

Q: Are all BB guns illegal?
A:
BB guns are free to enter Canada. The only ones that are not allowed into Canada are the ones known as airsofts (or in Asia, "BB guns"). Airsofts resemble actual firearm (in size and shape) but instead of firing live ammunition, it shoots BB's. Under CBSA's regulation, anything under 500fps and resembles actual firearms will be considered replicas.

Q: So how does those local airsoft companies get their hands on airsoft rifles/pistols?
A:
The answer is simple, by complying with the import regulations. Since airsofts are considered replicas since they resemble their real counterparts, all they have to do is to differentiate it in an obvious manner. How? Instead of using metal frame/receivers, they opt to use a semi-transparent plastic materials as a replacement. That way, the electric gearbox and all its parts are clearly visible. It shows that the airsoft itself is not the "real deal". These are commonly known as "cansoft" (as in CANadian airSOFT).

Q: Then how come I saw a few full metal airsofts still available from [insert location here]?
A:
There are 3 possible ways to have the full metal airsofts. The first one is the easiest to figure out: they are smuggled into Canada illegally. Those are ones that "slip through the cracks". The second way is that they were imported long time ago when it was still legal to purchase full metal airsofts. The last method, which has emerged recently, is airsofts which are registered to the Firearms Reference Table (FRT). What those importers did was they sent an over 500fps production airsoft to RCMP for validation. And the RCMP classified the high power airsoft was an uncontrolled firearm. Which means it will have a FRT number. Having this reference number means firearms importer can import these airsofts legally. The only catch is that the list of airsofts that meet these criteria is very limited (and each individual model of airsoft is validated separately).

Q: What happens if I bring an airsoft from another country?
A:
If you declared it, you will most likely given two choices: forfeit the replica firearm, or send it back where it came from. If you haven't, then you face the "punishment". I'm sure you all can figure out what happens then :)

Q: Where can I learn more about these airsofts and the regulations about them?
A:
Airsoft Canada is a great Canadian community of airsoft enthusiasts which care about their sport. They do NOT condone to illegal importation of any kind. So check them out if you really want to get into this sport. Also, the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program website is also helpful in talking about replica firearms and what you can and can't do with them.

I hope this eliminates some of the misconceptions regarding to airsoft and the importation of one. As I said before, everything I've stated is just things I've read and learned from the information out there. I'm no import broker or airsoft dealer, so don't quote (or blame) me when things go sour :)

Ask them to send you a quick email?

Something in writing from one of their own x100000 better than, "well, i called in twice and they said it was ok".

I bring paintball guns/airsoft guns over all the time from the US.. I just disassemble them, and then declare them as parts.. (I dont bring all the parts over in the same car) never had an issue..

The only controlled part of the entire firearm (replica or not) is the receiver/frame. Everything else is uncontrolled and does not require a license to import. Ignorance will not be a reasonable excuse when you are caught smuggling a [replica] firearm. But whether to play Russian Roulette when crossing the border is up to you to decide.

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