Sell lawfully. Document everything.
As a seller, you are responsible for confirming the buyer's eligibility, following the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) transfer process, and keeping a clean record of the transaction. The rules below are required for every listing on Canadian Firearms Exchange. Breaching them ends your membership and may carry criminal consequences under the Firearms Act.
List only what you may lawfully transfer
You must personally hold the appropriate PAL or RPAL and be the lawful owner of the firearm. Restricted firearms must be currently registered to you. Estate or third-party sales must be coordinated with a licensed business — list those as a dealer, not as a private member.
Verify the buyer with the CFP
For every non-restricted firearm transfer, call the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000 or use CFP Online and confirm the buyer's PAL is valid and covers the class of firearm. Record the CFP-issued reference number. Do not ship or hand over a firearm without that number.
Restricted transfers require CFP approval
Restricted firearm transfers must be approved by a CFO and the firearm must be re-registered to the buyer before possession changes. You remain the registered owner — and the responsible party — until the CFP confirms the registration change.
Accurate listings, real photos
Use your own photos of the actual firearm or item. Disclose modifications, wear, missing parts, and any non-original components. Include make, model, calibre, action, barrel length and serial-blurred photos where appropriate. Misrepresentation is grounds for removal.
Prohibited items are not permitted
Do not list prohibited firearms, devices, magazines, or items on the May 2020 Order in Council list. Do not list items you do not legally own. Listings that appear non-compliant are removed and the member account is reviewed.
Ship through Canada Post
Non-restricted firearms ship Canada-wide via Canada Post's firearm-approved service with signature required on delivery. Package per Canada Post firearm packaging requirements: trigger-locked, unloaded, ammunition shipped separately by ground, no external markings identifying the contents.
Keep records of every transfer
Retain the CFP reference number, buyer name and licence number, firearm make/model/serial, date, price, and shipping tracking. For restricted transfers retain the registration confirmation. These records are your protection if a transfer is later questioned.
Keep communication on-platform
Negotiate, coordinate transfer logistics, and resolve disputes inside platform messaging. Off-platform deals lose buyer/seller protections and make it harder for us to support you if something goes wrong.
When in doubt, ask first
If you are unsure whether a firearm, accessory, or accessory configuration is currently lawful to sell, contact the CFP before listing. You can also email admin@canadianfirearmsexchange.ca and we will review the listing before it goes live.
Authoritative references
Canadian Firearms Program: 1-800-731-4000 / CFP Online. RCMP firearms guidance is the definitive source for current law. For platform-specific rules see our compliance overview and terms of service. Questions: admin@canadianfirearmsexchange.ca.