Firearms Marking Regulations Deferred to 2023

Summary#

This final regulation changes when the Firearms Marking Regulations will take effect. The amendment was registered on November 30, 2020 and sets the marking rules to come into force on December 1, 2023, instead of December 1, 2020.

What it does#

• Replaces the coming-into-force date in the Firearms Marking Regulations so the rules now start on December 1, 2023.
• The amending regulation itself came into force when it was registered (date: November 30, 2020).
• The stated purpose is to give the government more time to design a workable marking system that:
  • aligns with record-keeping changes in Bill C-71, including future sales-record requirements, and
  • lets law enforcement and other partners build the tracing capacity needed for the markings to be useful.
• The amendment does not change the substance of the markings rules; it only postpones when they begin.

Who's affected#

• Firearms businesses (manufacturers, importers and retailers) — they would be responsible for applying markings under the rules when they start.
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and other law enforcement agencies — they use markings for tracing crime guns.
• Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Global Affairs Canada (GAC) — involved in consultations and international aspects.
• Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee (CFAC) and other stakeholder groups (shooting sports, public health advocates, victims’ groups) who have been part of consultations.
• The broader public and communities concerned about gun crime and public safety, because the delay affects when markings will support investigations.

Why it matters#

• The change delays the start of firearm-marking obligations by three years (to December 1, 2023). That gives businesses more time and reduces immediate investment pressure for marking equipment.
• It also delays the practical benefits of markings for tracing firearms used in crimes. Law enforcement and tracing systems need markings plus reliable sales/import records to work well.
• The deferral is meant to allow time to coordinate the markings rules with other measures (for example, the planned sales-record rules in Bill C-71, such as keeping records for 20 years) and to meet international marking and tracing expectations (e.g., the UN Firearms Protocol and CIFTA).
• The notice does not set out a new, detailed marking system; it only sets a new start date and says more work and consultation are needed.