Bear spray

[Greenhorn]

Is it legal or illegal in Canada?? An American claims it is because a customs office asked if they had it. I bought bear spray to long ago to remember,but I believe I bought it in Michigan.

[TurkeyRookie]

It is legal, if carried / used for the intended pourpose, (clear as mud)?

Basically, yes, it is legal to have. Hiking in the woods, and it's on your hip, pack, etc. You're fine.

Have it in your purse downtown Toronto, it can actually get you a charge of a concealed weapon, get in an altercation and use it on someone, could be grounds for assault with a weapon.

There have been cases, where people have been charged for miss using it, (letting it off on a public bus, and in a ventilation system)

So in the end, you can go to Canadian Tire and buy it there, and have it on you / use it for the intended reasons, in areas that it would actually be needed, and you're fine.

[habbi_88]

Its legal

[PaulR]

Is that the stuff bears use to season their meals?
Gives their meal a nice peppery taste?

[bush24]

There is also dog deterrent spray available at some sports shops, my Family carries it. Cost me about $10 a piece.

[Greenhorn]

Thanks every one for your input. Brent

[SK33T3R]

OK

HERE'S THE OFFICIAL ANSWER

I have a copy with me at all times and I order GUARD ALASKA from an eBay seller from Florida.

I have brought in up to 6 cans at once from the US. (shipped to my US address) around $35 each!

I tell customs I have bear spray and some of them go into riot mode. kinda funny...

then I produce the official letter I have from someone higher up then them. Sure glad I have the letter.

Not quite ready for the full cavity search, if ya know what I mean!

ANYWAY here it is also I got an answer on taking my bow back and forth!

Subject: IMPORTING BEAR SPRAY INTO CANADA
Mr. SK33T3R

In response to your request for information regarding the importation of “Guard Alaska” Bear repellent. The below text is an exhort from the regulations governing the importation of this specific item, you will note the bolded underlined potion pertains specifically to aerosol based animal repellent. You’ll note that its admissibility depends upon the Manufactures wording on the products container.

The link below that is the Entire section governing the IMPORTING AND EXPORTING FIREARMS, WEAPONS AND DEVICES.

Device with incapacitating gas
26. This category includes any device designed for the purpose of injuring, immobilizing or otherwise incapacitating any person by the discharge of:
(a) Tear gas – Tear gas is a non-specific term for any chemical that is used to cause temporary incapacitation through irritation of eyes, skin, mucous membranes, and/or respiratory system. Common tear gases include CS (chlorobenzalmalononitrile), CN (chloroacetophenone), and CR (dibenzoxazepine).
(b) Mace – Mace is the brand name of the product manufactured by Mace Security International. Many other companies manufacture similar products under different brand names. Mace and similar products are a particular type of irritating gas in the form of an aerosol dispenser that is used to cause temporary incapacitation through irritation of eyes, skin, mucous membranes, and/or respiratory system, sometimes causing temporary blindness. It is typically sold and marketed as a self-defence device.
(c) Any other spray designed to be used against humans (e.g., “pepper spray”) – These are chemical agents, often packaged in the form of aerosol sprays, made with the active ingredient capsaicin. Pepper spray is also known as OC (oleoresin capsicum) spray or OC gas. It is used to cause temporary incapacitation through irritation of eyes, skin, mucous membranes, and/or respiratory system, sometimes causing temporary blindness. In addition, some devices labelled as “pepper spray” may also contain Mace and/or tear gas.
Exception: Aerosol or similar dispensers that contain substances capable of repelling or subduing animals (e.g. dog or bear repellent) are not considered prohibited weapons if:
(i) the label of the container indicates specifically that it is for use against animals only; and
(ii) the provisions of the Pest Control Products Act are met.
(iii) In order for a device or dispenser to be considered to meet the above criteria, it must be apparent that the device was designed exclusively for the control or use against animals. The manufacturer’s label and specifications will be deemed as the design of the product. The misuse of these or any other similar device may nonetheless be punishable under other laws.
(iv) Please note that there is no minimum quantity or capacity requirements (in terms of grams or milliliters) in making the determination with respect to animal repellents.

http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d19/d19-13-2-eng.pdf


With respect to your second question regarding the importation and exportation of a Compound Bow. If the bow has a velocity of less than 500 feet per second it is not restricted or prohibited. Therefore, does not require any type of ”special permit or authorization” to import or export from Canada. I would recommend that if you are exporting a bow (that has a serial #) to the United States that you stop at a CBSA Office prior to departure and request a Border Services Officer to complete a Y38 for your bow. Upon you return that document is a very good indication that the item is Canadian Goods returned.

As for rates of duty and taxes it varies from item to item and also depends on the country that the item is manufactured in. As a general guideline for every $100 Canadian spent CBSA would collect approximately $13.00, again I stress that this is an approximation.

If you have any further inquires please do not hesitate to contact me.


Michael Libby # 13748
Superintendent
District Enforcement Unit
Peace Bridge – Traffic Operations
Canada Border Services Agency
2 Peace Bridge Plaza, Fort Erie ON L2A 0A7
[email protected]
Office 905-994-7595
Cell 905-658-1556
Government of Canada