[CNP]

Is this something that really needs to be discussed? I think so. Why? Because there are non-believers spreading their non-belief.

1. Ask yourself: Am I aware of any prohibitions of purchasing/importing a riflescope from ANY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD to Canada? Answer = No.

2. Should I be concerned with this? Maybe. A riflescope is by itself an innocuous item. However, given OUR country’s phobia with weapon systems, some due-diligence may be in order. Who do you check with? CBSA? That would be logical. CBSA has no restriction with the importation of riflescopes. Are you satisfied that you performed due diligence? Yes. If not yes, than what is it that prompts you to investigate further and to who are you going to direct your question? Remember that you said you have no knowledge of any prohibition and the government of Canada confirms that the importation of riflescopes is not prohibited/restricted…..that being the case there is absolutely nothing that would prompt you to look elsewhere (NOTHING). Make your case if you think there is something that you can think of that would prompt you to further investigate the purchase of a riflescope, a jar of peanut butter, a loaf of bread, a fishing rod, a crossbow, a pellet gun (sub 500 fps)…….knowing that all these item are perfectly legal to enter Canada.

3. Search ebay for riflescopes.

4. Select riflescope of your liking that indicates shipping to Canada is available (if it is located outside Canada).

5. Bid on item.

6. Win Item (maybe lol).

7. Pay for Item (if successful at item 6).

8. Receive item (if successful at item 6, paid for at 7).

Here is where the Litmus test fails. The fear factor…

You believe you have some information that precludes you from purchasing a riflescope from somewhere. How did you accumulate this knowledge? Did you stumble across it when attempting to purchase a scope online? In this case do you describe yourself as being ignorant of the law before the fact and now you are knowledgeable after the fact? Is this knowledge reputable? Is it current? Does this law apply to you or someone else?
So you believe you know US law: Do you tell a US citizen that THEY must have an export license in order to ship a scope to you or do you let that person or business deal with that all on their own? Why would you feel it is important to tell a US business or person on how to apply their own laws? Now that we have discussed purchasing a scope from the US….how do you feel about purchasing a riflescope from any country on this planet? What is you knowledge on this level? The only answer you really need or want is: The answer from CBSA that says we can import riflescopes without restriction.

People who have stumbled across export license requirements or have read threads on the internet that point to that requirement, or have never been to the USA, or have never purchased anything on ebay, or have never bothered to read the references (they are available online) are not sources that I would give any credibility too. You as a purchaser are not guilty of any crime by shopping for and purchasing a riflescope on ebay from any country in the world. You are being deprived by some who promote fear and spin doctor about your name appearing on a Homeland Security watch list if you do such a thing. That is fear mongering.

On another note……When entering into Canada with an item that is prohibited (unknown to you for some reason) and we fully disclose/declare what we are importing…..what law have we broken? Up to that point….none. Always declare what you have…….customs will determine what can enter this country. If it is prohibited they will seize it. That is our line of defence. That is your obligation/commitment to this country.

ebay has been good to me. I’ve sold/purchased many items. I’ve never been ripped off so I have not tested PayPal’s reimbursement policy. If you did not receive an item because of the lack of an export permit, that is not your problem. That is the sellers problem. They would have to reimburse you if the item was seized. Has that ever happened? Never heard of it. One thing is certain…………………You are not a criminal, you are not irresponsible, you are not flirting with the law. You’re a good man looking for a good deal.