Import controls and import permits

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Which products are subject to import controls?

Canada lists import control products in the of the . ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ publishes notices to importers to help importers navigate these controls. The controlled products page contains notices, reports, and additional information for controlled products.

All handguns, imported into Canada, require an import permit prior to entry. Applicants must use the system to submit all handgun, arms, and munitions import permit applications. For detailed instructions on how to apply, please see section K.1 of the Export and Brokering Controls Handbook.

Applicants must submit import permit applications for items listed in paragraphs 70-74 and 91 of the ICL to the Export Controls Division directly. These paragraphs deal with military goods, firearms, and chemical weapons convention items.

You do not need an import permit for goods set out in Paragraph 70, (1), most firearms and their parts, when the items are non-restricted or restricted in legal classification and are destined for sporting or recreational use.

Get your Export and Imports Permits Act (EIPA) number

The EIPA number is required under the Export and Imports Permit Act to complete your import permit application. It is a unique identifier tied to your account with ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ (GAC).

You may apply for an EIPA number by filling out the EIPA number application form (please right-click and save to your computer. Forms will not open in browser) and submitting it to NEICS-NSCEI@international.gc.ca.

Note: Our help desk is available to assist you if you already have an EIPA number but do not remember it. If this is the case, please do not apply for a new one.

Register for a New Export and Import Controls System (New EICS) account (Licensed Customs Brokers only)

If you are a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) licensed customs broker, you may be granted direct access to the New EICS system where you can self-administer all ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ (GAC) permits for non-strategic goods.

Using the New EICS system gives you real-time access to:

  • your application(s) and save application drafts
  • the status of your application(s)
  • your permit(s)
  • change requests (such as permit amendments or cancellations)

Email the New EICS help desk to request an account

If you are not a licensed customs broker, you must apply for a permit through the New EICS help desk.

Find Harmonized System (HS) code

To import controlled products into Canada, they must fall under the definition of a controlled product outlined in the Harmonized System (HS). You must reference the applicable HS code on your import permit application.

If you don’t know the HS code, please contact your export broker or

Find out if your products fall under the definition of a controlled product

Please email us with your product’s HS code, and we’ll be able to guide you.

Applying for an import permit

The process of applying for an import permit differs if you are a Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) recognized licensed customs broker or an individual.

Applications by recognized licensed customs brokers

You must be preregistered with and have access to the New EICS system for this application process. If you do not have access, please use the “Applications not using a licensed customs broker” option.

  1. You must have an EIPA file number (formerly EICB file number) to apply for an import permit. Use the preceding steps to apply if you do not have one.
  2. If you are applying for quota allocation, ensure that you have applied and received allocation before submitting your permit application.
  3. Complete the Application for Export/Import Permit (EXT-1466) form (please right-click and save to your computer. Forms will not open in browser). Up to three separate products may be entered in the same form.

Note: An individual import permit is required for each shipment unless stated otherwise in a notice to importers.

  1. Enter permit, permit data, and relevant supporting documents in New EICS.

Note: Import permits are normally issued with a validity period of 30 days around the date of arrival specified by Canadian residents (5 days before and 24 days after). Under no circumstances will the utilization of permits for one quota period be allowed in the next quota period.

Requests for import permits will be accepted within 30 days prior to the expected date of arrival of the shipment in Canada.

The New EICS help desk are available to assist with system-related inquiries.

Applications not using a licensed customs broker

  1. You must have an EIPA file number (formerly EICB file number) to apply for an import permit. Use the preceding steps to apply if you do not have one.
  2. If you are applying for quota allocation, ensure that you have applied for, and received, allocation before submitting your permit application.
  3. Complete the Application for Export/Import Permit (EXT-1466) form (please right-click and save to your computer. Forms will not open in browser). Up to three separate products may be entered in the same form.

Note: An individual import permit is required for each shipment unless directed otherwise in a notice to importers.

  1. Submit the permit application form and supporting documents to the New EICS help desk.

Export and Import Permits Act Operations and Digital Innovation Division
Strategic Export Controls Bureau
¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2

Email: NEICS-NSCEI@international.gc.ca
Fax: 613-996-3205

Note: If submitting a permit application by mail, you must include a cheque (no cash) for the permit fee amount, made out to the Receiver General for Canada, for each permit requested.

Permits will not be issued unless the applications are accompanied by a cheque for the amount corresponding to the total value of the goods. This fee is normally set out in and in paragraph 2 of Notice to Importers No. 508 dated May 16, 1995. If the fee in the Notice to Importers for your product is different from the fee schedule, use the fee from the notice.

  1. Once your permit application is submitted, you will receive an invoice via the email listed on your application form. This email will contain details on how to pay for your application. Applications are only approved once payment is confirmed. Once payment has been confirmed, issued permits will be delivered to you using the method identified on the application.

Note: Import permits are normally issued with a validity period of 30 days around the date of arrival specified by Canadian residents (5 days before and 24 days after). Under no circumstances will the utilization of permits for one quota period be allowed in the next quota period.

Requests for import permits will be accepted within 30 days prior to the expected date of arrival of the shipment in Canada.

The new EICS help desk may contact you about missing or incorrect information, which could delay your permit request. To avoid delays, make sure all submitted information and documents are complete and accurate.

Links to official documents at Justice Canada