Managing Controlled Nuclear Information: What Canada’s Changing Import And Export Rules Mean For The Nuclear Sector

Summary

Those involved in importing or exporting controlled nuclear information should review this article because the applicable Canadian regime is undergoing significant change, with important consequences for both licensing and day-to-day management of information.

• New requirements take effect September 26, 2026, including a Canadian-address requirement for licensees, a written import/export process and expanded record-retention requirements (six years).
• Everyday business practices involving cloud storage, remote access, email, travel and remote work will require more regulatory consideration when they involve use of controlled nuclear information.
• Further CNSC guidance remains under development, including on how licensees are expected to meet their obligations to track and report electronic transfers or cloud storage of controlled nuclear information—an issue of particular concern for smaller organizations.