Are Toy Guns Allowed in Canada? What the Law Says in 2025

It is the holidays and you are shopping for something fun but meaningful. Maybe a fidget toy to help a neurodiverse child focus or a gel blaster that looks like a harmless gadget. But many Canadians are now asking are toy guns allowed in Canada, as the 2023 replica firearm laws have changed what counts as a toy and what could be seized as a prohibited weapon.

Since the new laws took effect, the RCMP and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) have stepped up enforcement. Many online sellers still advertise products that no longer meet the definition of a toy under Canadian law. That means a well-intentioned gift could be seized, delayed, or destroyed at the border.

Are Toy Guns Allowed in Canada Under the New Law

So, are toy guns allowed in Canada? The answer depends on how realistic they appear. Under Criminal Code Section 84, a replica firearm is any object that looks like a real gun capable of firing a projectile faster than 152.4 metres per second (500 ft/s) and over 5.7 joules of energy.

Even if a toy cannot fire, if it mimics a real firearm in size, weight, or color, it may still be treated as a replica. The CBSA Memorandum D19-13-2 guides officers to assess realism rather than function. Since the 2023 updates, even toys once considered harmless can now be refused entry.

Why So Many Canadians Are Getting Caught Off Guard

Online marketplaces often list gel blasters and fidget blasters as toys, even though most no longer meet Canadian import standards. Buyers order them thinking they are safe, only to find out later that the shipment was stopped or confiscated.

Here is how CBSA now classifies popular products:

Product	Shoots Projectiles?	Looks Realistic?	Legal Risk
Fidget blaster	No	Sometimes	Low unless shaped like a real gun
Gel blaster	Yes	Often	High, most are treated as replicas
Airsoft gun	Yes	Usually	Moderate to high depending on appearance

A product that is legal overseas can become illegal the moment it enters Canada. With the 2023 replica firearm law changes, the number of seizures has increased, especially during holiday shopping seasons.

The Myths About Orange Tips and “Safe” Toy Guns

Many Canadians believe that toy guns are allowed in Canada if they have orange tips, similar to the rule in the United States. This is false.

Canada has no orange-tip requirement. The RCMP decides legality based on realism, not color. A toy with an orange muzzle can still be seized if it looks like an authentic firearm. Bright coloring helps, but the law focuses on overall appearance, not paint details.

What Happens When Customs Flags Your Order

When the CBSA identifies a shipment as a potential replica firearm, the package is detained immediately. Buyers receive a seizure notice explaining why the item violates Canadian import regulations. Refunds from international sellers are uncommon, and appeals are limited to licensed firearm businesses.

Police can also respond if someone displays a realistic toy gun in public. Officers must treat every firearm report as genuine until proven otherwise. Even if it turns out to be a toy, charges such as causing a disturbance or mischief can still apply.

What to Buy Instead: Safer Toys and Sensory Alternatives

If you are buying for anxiety or focus support, you do not need gun-shaped fidget toys. Research shows that sensory tools like fidget cubes, stress balls, or textured rings are just as effective without creating confusion or risk.

Experts recommend choosing neutral designs that can be used safely at school or in public. These products offer the same calming benefit without breaking replica firearm laws. For official guidance, see the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program.

How to Shop Safely Under the New Rules

Buy only from Canadian retailers that comply with RCMP and CBSA regulations. These sellers must follow the updated 2023 replica firearm definitions and cannot sell items that resemble real guns.

Avoid listings with words like gel blaster, airsoft, or replica gun. Look for bright colors, clear labeling, and family-friendly packaging. Always keep receipts or screenshots to show the product was sold as a toy in case authorities request proof.

The Hidden Mistake That Could Get Your Toy Seized at the Border

Canada’s 2023 replica firearm law has quietly changed what counts as a toy. A fidget gun or gel blaster that looks harmless online can now be seized or destroyed without refund if it resembles a real weapon.

Before you buy, check where the toy is made, how it looks, and whether the seller follows Canadian import standards. Choosing colorful, clearly toy-like products from domestic retailers can prevent your thoughtful holiday gift from ending up in a CBSA holding facility or classified as a prohibited firearm.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Canadian firearm and replica laws may change, and rules can vary by product. For current information, contact the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program or the Canada Border Services Agency before purchasing any toy gun or imitation firearm. StaySafeVancouver and the author assume no responsibility for actions taken based on this article.