Meteorite law in Canada
Meteorites may be owned and sold inside Canada, but any meteorite found in Canada needs an export permit under the Cultural Property Export and Import Act.
Private ownership, export controlled
Ownership: in Canada a meteorite generally belongs to the landowner, and finders and owners may keep and sell it within the country.
Export: meteorites found in Canada are controlled cultural property under the Cultural Property Export and Import Act. A permit is needed before one leaves the country. An expert examiner reviews the application; if the meteorite is judged of outstanding significance and national importance, the permit can be refused, and a review board can delay export for up to six months so that a Canadian institution can buy it at a fair price. Exporting without a permit can bring a large fine and imprisonment.
For buyers abroad: ask the seller for the Canadian export permit.
This is general information to help you ask the right questions, not legal advice. Laws change and their details matter, and this summary was last reviewed in 2026. Before you search, buy, sell or export a meteorite, check the current law with the authorities of the country concerned or a qualified lawyer. See meteorite law by country.
Related pages
Glossary: Meteorite ownership, Export rules, Landowner permission, Provenance