The rifle had been popular  with hunters and gun enthusiasts, who until February 2014, only required a possession and acquisition licence to obtain the rifle. However, late in 2013, a gun dealer had imported some PE 90 rifles from Switzerland and brought them to Canada for sale. After some were sold, it was alleged that the rifles in question were of a variant not allowed in Canada (PE90).
Prior to February 2014, hunters and gun enthusiasts could easily acquire the rifle without any special permits. However, in late 2013, a gun dealer brought PE 90 rifles from Switzerland into Canada for sale.  After some were sold, it was discovered that these rifles were of a variant not allowed in Canada.