Is it legal to import a DTH satellite system from the United States?

Canada Customs and Revenue Agency has indicated to Industry Canada that they will not stop anyone from importing an American DTH satellite system, also known as a grey market satellite system, unless specifically directed to do so by the RCMP. Normal customs fees apply and then the equipment may be brought into the country.

If a satellite dish system is imported and intended to be used for unlawful decoding of encrypted signals, as prohibited in section 9(1)(c) of the Radiocommunication Act, this constitutes an offence under section 10(1)(b) of the Act. It's illegal to use an American DTH satellite service (also referred to as grey market) in Canada to receive and decode encrypted programming. Doing so is in contravention of section 9(1)(c) of the Act.