Solvent traps
The Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) is aware that firearm silencers/suppressors are being imported into Canada by individuals under the guise of "solvent traps" or "fuel filters".
These items may appear either as complete devices or in the form of kits containing a collection of components. They are commonly referred to as:
- solvent trap
- solvent trap kit
- mock suppressor
- 4003 solvent kit
- tube series
- tube and adapter kit
- tube and end cap
- Maglite cell solvent trap
- can (in the context of firearm parts)
A genuine solvent trap is an item that attaches to the barrel of a firearm, and used to catch and trap gun cleaning solvent during the cleaning process.
However, the RCMP has determined that several devices being imported as "solvent traps" or "fuel filters" are in fact firearm suppressors/silencers based on the following key characteristics:
- A metal tube that is threaded on the inside of each end with the mechanical strength to withstand the forces of discharge and passage of a bullet
- Threaded caps to be attached to the metal tube (with or without a pre-drilled bore) with the means of mounting firmly to a firearm
- Baffles or an internal component such as a spring or rubber ring capable muffling or silencing the sound of discharge
Section 84(1) of the Criminal Code prescribes any device or contrivance designed or intended to muffle or stop the sound or report of a firearm to be a prohibited device. The import or export of a prohibited device by anyone not authorized to do so, or the transfer of a prohibited device to, or its possession by, any person who does not hold a license authorizing its possession, are offences under the Criminal Code.
Individuals or businesses that wish to report these items are encouraged to contact the CFP at 1-800-731-4000, or at cfp-pcaf@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
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