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ARTICLE · 25 MAY 2023

Canadian Export Controls: A Primer For Exporters

Miller Thomson
Miller Thomson
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Miller Thomson

Miller Thomson LLP ("Miller Thomson") is a national business law firm with approximately 500...

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Canadian export controls are set out in several Acts, regulations, and policies. A central piece of Canadian legislation is the Export and Permits Act (the "EIPA").

CanadaInternational Law
Daniel Kiselbach
Daniel Kiselbach
Satinder Bains
Satinder Bains
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Overview

Canadian export controls are set out in several Acts, regulations, and policies. A central piece of Canadian legislation is the Export and Permits Act (the "EIPA").1 The EIPA controls the export or transfer of certain goods, software, and technology where it is in the public interest to do so. EIPA controlled goods, software, and technology are referred to as "items".

This article describes the framework of Canada's export controls for military, dual use, and strategic items. Canada has also enacted legislation controlling other goods (for example, animals, plants, and medicines). The export control framework for these other goods is not covered here.

Generally, an exporter must obtain a permit in order to export controlled items. A responsible federal Minister may exercise his or her discretion to grant an export permit authorizing the export or transfer of a controlled item. Several Canadian entities are tasked with the administration and

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The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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