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Export and brokering controls handbook

Amended August 2019

Export Controls Division
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Ce document est également disponible en français.

Veuillez contacter la Direction des contrôles à l’exportation.

©  Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, 2019

Use of this document

This Handbook is intended as a reference tool for exporters and brokers, and provides practical information about the administration of Canada’s export controls pursuant to the Export Control List, the Brokering Control List, the Area Control List and the Automatic Firearms Country Control List, under the authority of the Export and Import Permits Act. Information contained in this Handbook includes: how to obtain the necessary permits for the export, brokering, or transfer of controlled items and how to comply with the requirements of the Export and Import Permits Act and its related regulations.

This version of the Handbook introduces significant changes resulting from Bill C-47, An Act to amend the Export and Import Permits Act and the Criminal Code (amendments permitting the accession to the Arms Trade Treaty and other amendments). Key changes include references to the updated 2016 Export Control List, new brokering regulations, classification of Group 9 items and changes to reporting on exports of certain military items to the United States.

The information in this Handbook does not pertain to applications to export goods described in Items 5101 to 5210 (Forest Products, Agriculture and Food Products, Apparel Goods, and Vehicles) of the Export Control List as administering controls over these items are not within the mandate of the Export Controls Division. For more information on how to obtain a permit to export these items, please consult the “Controlled Products” section of the export controls web site.

Should a discrepancy arise between the Export Controls Handbook and the relevant legislation and regulations, the legislation and regulations will prevail. For the purposes of interpreting and applying the law, please consult Part III of the Canada Gazette, “Acts of Parliament”, and Part II of the Canada Gazette, “Official Regulations”. These publications are available in most public libraries and on the internet at . Electronic copies of the Export and Import Permits Act and its related regulations are also available on the internet at .

Contact us

The Export Controls Division of ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ is responsible for the administration of export, import and brokering controls for strategic and military goods and technology under the authority of the Export and Import Permits Act.

For enquiries regarding the status of a permit application, please call (343) 203-4331 or e-mail. Please quote the permit application identification (ref ID) number.

How to contact us:

Export Controls Division
¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2

Telephone: (343) 203-4331
Facsimile: (613) 996-9933
E-mail: Permit-related matters Policy-related matters
Internet: ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ

For enquiries related to the CBSA

For enquiries related to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), including detention or seizure of goods, or the Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS), please call 1 (800) 461-9999 or contact your local CBSA office. Information is also available on the internet at .

Table of contents

A. Introduction

A.1. What is an export or brokering permit?

“Do I need an export permit?” This is the first question facing an exporter.

The Government of Canada and Canadian exporters and brokers share a collective responsibility to ensure that exports of controlled goods and technology are conducted lawfully and in a manner consistent with Canada’s national interests and international obligations.

Export permits can be issued to any resident of Canada to export goods and technology included on the Export Control List (ECL) or to a country included on the Area Control List (ACL), subject to certain terms and conditions.

An export permit sets out, among other things, the quantity, technical description and nature of the goods and technology to be exported, as well as the final destination country and consignee. Unless otherwise stated, an export permit may authorize multiple shipments, up to the expiry of the permit and as long as the cumulative total of the quantity or value of exported goods and technology does not exceed the quantity or value stated on the permit. An export permit constitutes a legally-binding authorization to export ECL-controlled goods or technology as described.

Factors such as the nature, characteristics, origin, or destination of the goods or technology being exported (also referred to in this document as “items”), affect export permit requirements. As such, certain situations require that an exporter first obtain an export permit from the Export Controls Division at ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ before these items can be legally exported. Other situations may allow exporters to use a general export permit (see section F.5). To help understand the decision process involved, please refer to the flowchart below.

Export Permit Process Overview
Text version

Export Permit Process Overview. Do I need to apply for a permit? YES: If the items you wish to export are controlled (section C of this handbook), if there are certain destination considerations (see section D), if an export permit is required (section D.5), and if a General Export Permit does not apply (section F.5). NO: If the items you wish to export are not controlled (section C of this handbook), if there are no destination considerations (section D), if an export permit is not required (section D.5), and if no General Export Permit applies (section F.5). 

As brokering controls are new as of 2019, the question “Do I need a brokering permit?” is also relevant.

In order to ensure consistency for exporters and brokers, brokering controls have been designed to resemble export controls. Brokering permits can be issued to any legal or natural person or organization in Canada, and to Canadian citizens abroad, permanent residents of Canada abroad and organizations abroad. A brokering permit allows the person or organization to broker goods or technology specified in the permit, subject to certain terms and conditions. The EIPA defines brokering as “to arrange or negotiate a transaction that relates to the movement of goods or technology included in a Brokering Control List (BCL) from a foreign country to another foreign country.”

A brokering permit sets out, among other things, the quantity, technical description and nature of the goods and technology to be brokered, as well as the final destination country and consignee. It also includes information on the end use of the items. The brokering permit may also indicate, if this information is available, the quantity, total value and unit value of the goods or technology to be brokered. Unless otherwise stated, a brokering permit may authorize multiple transactions, up to the expiry of the permit and as long as the cumulative total of the quantity or value of goods and technology brokered does not exceed the quantity or value stated on the permit. A brokering permit constitutes a legally-binding authorization to broker BCL-controlled goods or technology as described.

The brokering assessment process will also consider factors such as the nature, characteristics, origin, or destination of the goods or technology being brokered. As a result, certain situations require that a broker first obtain a brokering permit from the Export Controls Division at ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ before these items can be legally brokered. Other situations may allow brokers to use a General Brokering Permit (see section F.5). To help understand the decision process involved, please refer to the flowchart below.

Brokering permit process overview

Brokering permit process overview
Text versionBrokering Permit Process Overview. Do I need to apply for a brokering permit? YES: If the transaction involves the movement of controlled goods or technology between two countries, neither of which are Canada (excludes transfer of goods between affiliates of a corporation abroad so long as these items are not listed in Group 9), if the movement is directed by a Canadian citizen a permanent resident of Canada or a Canadian organization (excludes Canadians abroad being directed by their non-Canadian employer, so long as they are not brokering Group 9 items), if the individual or organization is responsible for arranging and negotiating the terms and conditions for the movement of items on the Brokering Control List, and if the General Brokering Permit does not apply. NO: If the transaction does not involves the movement of controlled goods or technology between two countries, neither of which are Canada (or involves the transfer of goods between affiliates of a corporation abroad so long as these items are not listed in Group 9), if the movement is not directed by a Canadian citizen a permanent resident of Canada or a Canadian organization (or by a Canadians abroad being directed by their non-Canadian employer, so long as they are not brokering Group 9 items), if the individual or organization is not responsible for arranging and negotiating the terms and conditions for the movement of items on the Brokering Control List, or if the General Brokering Permit applies.

A.2. What are the Export Control List, the Brokering Control List, and the Area Control List?

The Export Control List (ECL) identifies specific goods and technology that are controlled for export from Canada to other countries, regardless of their means of delivery (including, for example, shipment of goods, electronic transfer or transmission of information, provision of technical or consulting services, etc.). A Guide to Canada’s Export Control List Footnote 1, which lists the goods and technology controlled on the ECL, is available on the internet at ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ. The Guide is generally updated on an annual basis.

Exports of goods or technology on the ECL may be exempted from the requirement to obtain an individual export permit if they are being shipped to certain countries. Further information about the ECL is available in Section C. Further information on the types of permits available to exporters can be found in Section F.

The (BCL) identifies specific goods and technology that are controlled for the purposes of brokering, i.e. arranging or negotiating a transaction that would result in the movement of controlled items from one foreign country to another foreign country. As with exports, the method of delivery of brokered goods is not important – all methods are captured. The BCL includes all items listed in Group 2 (Munitions List) and Group 9 (ATT items) of the ECL, as well as other ECL items—including dual-use items—that are likely to be used to produce or develop a weapon of mass destruction.

The brokering of goods or technology on the BCL may be exempted from the requirement to obtain a brokering permit in certain situations. These situations are described in the Regulations Specifying Activities that Do Not Constitute Brokering. See section E for more information on how to apply for a brokering permit and example scenarios.

The (ACL)Footnote 2 is a list of countries to which the Government of Canada deems it necessary to control the export or transfer of any goods or technology. Further information is available in section D.1.

A.3. Fees

Permits to export or broker military, strategic and dual-use items on the Export Control List and the Brokering Control List, including those destined to countries on the Area Control List, are issued free of charge.

There is a $14 fee for each permit to export goods described in Items 5101 to 5204 (Forest Products, and Agriculture and Food Products) of the Export Control List, with the exception of Item 5104 (Softwood Lumber Products), to which a $9 fee applies. For more information about export controls for Agricultural and Food products (items 5201, 5203 and 5204) please contact the Trade Controls Policy Division, or the Softwood Lumber Division.

B. Objectives of Export Controls

The principal objective of export controls is to ensure that exports of controlled items are consistent with Canada’s foreign and defence policies. Canada’s export controls are not meant to unnecessarily hinder international trade, but to regulate and impose certain restrictions on exports in response to clear policy objectives.

In 2019, Canada enhanced the rigour of its export control system through the adoption of Bill C-47, An Act to amend the Export and Import Permits Act and the Criminal Code (amendments permitting the accession to the Arms Trade Treaty and other amendments). Bill C-47 came into effect on September 1, 2019.

Under the amended Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA), the Minister of Foreign Affairs shall not issue an export or brokering permit if, after taking into account all relevant considerations, including available mitigating measures, he or she determines that there is a substantial risk that the proposed transaction would result in any of the negative consequences referred to in the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) assessment criteria (please see section B. 7). These negative consequences focus on whether an export:

  1. would contribute to peace and security or undermine it; and
  2. could be used to commit or facilitate
    1. a serious violation of international humanitarian law,
    2. a serious violation of international human rights law,
    3. an act constituting an offence under international conventions or protocols relating to terrorism to which Canada is a party,
    4. an act constituting an offence under international conventions or protocols relating to trans­national organized crime to which Canada is a party, or
    5. serious acts of gender-based violence or serious acts of violence against women and children. Article 6(3) of the ATT also prohibits the transfer of conventional arms if the arms or items would be used in the commission of genocide, crimes against humanity, grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions of 1949, attacks directed against civilian objects or civilians protected as such, or other war crimes as defined by international agreements to which Canada is a Party.

In addition to the ATT criteria, export permit applications are assessed to ensure that the proposed export:

Exporter and Broker Due Diligence:

In addition to compliance with the EIPA, exporters and brokers of controlled goods and technology have a responsibility to conduct due diligence verifications of actual and potential foreign customers and to provide all relevant information in their permit applications. The Government of Canada assesses permit applications to ensure that exports from Canada will not be diverted to end-uses or end-users that would be contrary to the policy goals stated above or that could lead to considerable embarrassment or liability for the exporter. This assessment should be seen as another step in the exporter's due diligence process.

Most items on the Export Control List derive from Canada’s commitments to like-minded countries which participate in multilateral export control regimes or from Canada’s international obligations as a signatory to multilateral or bilateral agreements.

The four major multilateral export control regimes in which Canada participates are described below. Participating governments negotiate common lists of goods and technology that are implemented by all, according to national legislation. These lists evolve in response to changing international and technological circumstances. Updates and amendments are made on a periodic basis. Changes to Canada’s ECL are incorporated annually through a regulatory amendment process.

B.1. Wassenaar Arrangement (Groups 1 and 2 on the Export Control List)

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-use Goods and Technology was established in 1996 to contribute to regional and international security and stability, by promoting transparency and greater responsibility in transfers of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technology, thus preventing destabilizing accumulations.

Participating States seek to ensure that transfers of these items do not contribute to the development or enhancement of military capabilities which undermine these goals, and to ensure that these items are not diverted to support such capabilities. The Wassenaar Arrangement is also intended to enhance co-operation to prevent the acquisition of armaments and sensitive dual-use items for military end-uses, if the situation in a region or the behaviour of a state is, or becomes, a cause for serious concern to the Participating States. The Wassenaar Arrangement is not directed against any state or group of states and does not seek to impede bona fide transactions. The Wassenaar Arrangement also complements and reinforces, with minimal duplication, other export control regimes for weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems.

Export Control List Group 1, which is comprised of dual-use items, pertains to goods and technology originally designed for civilian purposes, but that could have a military use or be used to produce military items. Export Control List Group 2, which is comprised of items that are specially designed or modified for military purposes and those that present a strategic military concern, includes items which Canada has committed to controlling for export as a result of its participation in the Wassenaar Arrangement.

More information about the is available on the internet.

B.2. Nuclear Suppliers Group (Groups 3 and 4 on the Export Control List)

Canada has a long-standing nuclear non-proliferation policy that is designed, among other objectives, to ensure that Canada’s nuclear exports are not used for any nuclear weapon purposes. As a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons that came into force in 1970, Canada will not provide source or special fissionable material or equipment or material especially designed or prepared for the processing, use or production, of special fissionable material, to any Non-Nuclear Weapon State for peaceful purposes, unless the source or special fissionable material is subject to International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards.

In the late 1970s, a group of nuclear supplier countries, including Canada, agreed on a set of guidelines for nuclear transfers to any Non-Nuclear Weapon State for peaceful purposes. These became known as the Nuclear Suppliers Group Guidelines. In 1992, the Nuclear Suppliers Group established a list of nuclear-related dual-use goods and technology that could make a major contribution to a nuclear explosive activity or a non-safeguarded nuclear fuel cycle activity.

Export Control List Group 3 includes items that are nuclear-specific. Export Control List Group 4 includes nuclear-related dual-use items, i.e. items that are used in non-nuclear applications but that could also be used in a nuclear explosive activity or a non-safeguarded nuclear fuel cycle activity.

More information about the is available on the internet.

B.3. Miscellaneous Goods and Technology (Group 5 on the Export Control List)

Export Control List Group 5 includes U.S.-origin goods (refer to section D.5), anti-personnel land mines, blinding laser weapons and nuclear fusion reactors. In addition to these are controls on a very limited number of goods that are subject to export controls for reasons of economic policy, such as certain forest, agricultural and food products, apparel goods and vehicles.

Item 5504 covers “strategic goods and technology” and includes certain global navigation satellite systems, propulsion and space-related equipment, payloads, ground control stations, chemiluminescent compounds, radiation-hardened micro-electronic circuits, nuclear weapons test design and equipment, as well as related software and technology.

Group 5 also includes Item 5505 (Goods and Technology for Certain Uses – see section C.3). This item is intended to be used to control exports that pose a significant risk to weapons of mass destruction proliferation, and not to unnecessarily hinder legitimate exports. It is assumed that exporters will conduct appropriate due diligence and that they will not do business with foreign entities involved with weapons of mass destruction.

B.4. Missile Technology Control Regime (Group 6 on the Export Control List)

The Missile Technology Control Regime was established in 1987 to address concerns about the proliferation of missiles, complete rocket systems, and unmanned air vehicles capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction, namely, chemical, biological or nuclear weapons. Export Control List Group 6 includes items agreed upon by the Partners of the Missile Technology Control Regime that are used in, or could be used in, the proliferation of systems capable of delivering chemical, biological or nuclear weapons.

More information about the is available on the internet.

B.5. Australia Group (Group 7 on the Export Control List)

The Australia Group was established in 1985 with the objective of preventing the proliferation of chemical and biological weapons. The participants (national governments) in the Australia Group have developed common export controls on chemical substances and biological agents and related items that could be used in the production of chemical and biological weapons. These export controls have been implemented in Canada on the Export Control List as Group 7.

More information about the is available on the internet.

B.5.1. Chemical Weapons Convention / Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention

Export Control List Group 7 also contains (as does Group 2, but to a lesser degree) chemicals and precursors controlled under the Chemical Weapons Convention. Some of the Chemical Weapons Convention chemicals and precursors are also controlled by the Australia Group.

More information about the Chemical Weapons Convention is available on the internet.

B.6. Repealed – January 2006 (Historical Group 8 on the Export Control List)

B.7. Arms Trade Treaty (Group 9 on the Export Control List)

The Arms Trade Treaty entered into force in 2014 with the objective of regulating the international trade of conventional weapons for the purpose of contributing to international and regional peace, security and stability; reducing human suffering; and promoting co-operation, transparency, and responsible action in the international trade in conventional arms by and among states.

Export Control List Group 9 (ATT items) includes full-system conventional arms in the following categories: battle tanks; armoured combat vehicles; large-calibre artillery systems; combat aircraft; attack helicopters; warships; missiles and missile launchers; and small arms and light weapons. With respect to small arms and light weapons, this means “man-portable weapons made or modified to military specifications for use as lethal instruments of war”.

The purpose of Group 9 is to enhance transparency and facilitate Canada’s international commitments on reporting, particularly with respect to exports of military, strategic and dual-use items to the United States. Group 9 therefore represents the items that Canada must report on as part of its Arms Trade Treaty obligations, along with additional clarifications in order to allow Canada to meet its related Wassenaar Arrangement reporting obligations.

More information on Group 9 and exports to the United States can be found in section D.5.

More information about the is available on the internet.

C. How to Use A Guide to Canada’s Export Control List (including the Export Control List and Brokering Control List)

A Guide to Canada’s Export Control ListFootnote 3 (hereinafter referred to as the “Guide”), includes all items controlled on the Export Control List (ECL). The ECL is divided into the following eight Groups:

Each entry on the ECL is known as an “item” and each item is numbered. The first digit of an item number represents that item's ECL Group. Items are further subdivided into more specific categories (or sub-items) with numbering schemes that vary somewhat between Groups. Sub-items are also identified by indentations in the text.

To identify a specific ECL item, the numbers and letters of each subsequent paragraph leading to that item are given. For example, 1-8.A.1.b.1 is an ECL item number addressing submersible vehicles.

There are some terms on the ECL in double quotation marks and some in single quotation marks. These quotation marks signify that the quoted words or phrases have specific definitions in the Guide. Terms in single quotation marks are defined in technical notes that apply to the ECL item, while those in double quotation marks are defined in specific Definitions sections located at the end of Groups 2, 4, 6 and 7. Below is an example of ECL text. This example demonstrates how the numbering system is structured and how items and sub-items relate to one another.

Example of ECL Text:

1-8.A. Systems, Equipment and Components

This large number is the main item number: Item 1-8.A. It is part of Group 1 (Dual-Use Goods).

1-8.A.1 Submersible vehicles and surface vehicles as follows:,

This would be sub-item ‘1-8.A.1.'  The first level of sub-division is flush with the left margin.

a. Manned, tethered submersible vehicles designed to operate at depths exceeding 1,000 m;

Additional levels of sub-division are indented directly below the previous level.

b. Manned, untethered submersible vehicles having any of the following:

  • Designed to ‘operate autonomously' and having a lifting capacity of all the following:
    • a. 10% or more of their weight in air; and
    • b. 15 kN or more;

      This item is the fourth level of sub-division and would be identified as sub-item 1-8.A.1.b.1.b.

Finding Items in the Guide:

By using the Index or performing a search of the electronic version of the Guide, readers can quickly find all of the important references that may exist concerning a specific good or technology.Generic terms are generally used in place of common or trade terminology.

If an item is not specifically mentioned in the Index, exporters are advised to review the pertinent sections of the Guide to determine if controls nonetheless applybecause some ECL items apply to broad types of goods or technology that are not listed by name and do not appear in the Index. Item 5400 in Group 5 on the Export Control List is a good example of this. No specific items are mentioned in item 5400 but all U.S.-origin items, as defined therein, require an export permit when exported to any destination other than the United States regardless of the nature of the item.

It may not always be straightforward to identify whether or not an item is subject to controls on the ECL. Exporters are advised to make their best assessment of the applicable controls and then to contact the Export Controls Division at ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ in order to accurately determine the control status of an item when applying for an export or brokering permit.

C.1. Items Identified Under More Than One Group or Export Control List Item

Goods or technology identified in one Group or item of the ECL may also be identified in other Groups or items and each Group in the Guide must therefore be considered independently. For instance, certain full-system conventional weapons are controlled in both Group 2 (Munitions List) and Group 9 (Arms Trade Treaty). For example, an exporter who would like to export a bolt-action rifle would therefore need to cite in their permit application the two items in the ECL controlling bolt-action rifles (item 2-1.a. and 9-8.b., in this particular example).

Exporters should ensure that they have reviewed the Guide in sufficient detail to assure themselves that all relevant Groups and ECL items have been considered.

C.2. Important Note on U.S.-Origin Goods

Exporters should note that the exports of all goods and technology of U.S.-origin, as defined in Item 5400 on the ECL, regardless of their nature and destination, require permits (refer to section D.4).

C.3. Items Destined to a Chemical, Biological or Nuclear Weapon or a Missile Application

In 2002, Canada implemented “catch-all” controls that cover the export of any items not listed elsewhere on the Export Control List. Item 5505 on the ECL, “Goods and Technology for Certain Uses,” imposes a permit requirement on any item if it is determined that the item is likely destined to an end-use or end-user involved in the development, or production, handling, operation, maintenance, storage, detection, identification, or dissemination of chemical or biological weapons, nuclear explosive or radiological dispersal devices, or their missile delivery systems. Item 5505 applies to any good or technology that is exported from Canada, regardless of whether or not it is included in the ECL. Goods or technology may be subject to concurrent control under Item 5505 and under one or more other items of the ECL.

Before exporting any items, exporters must be satisfied that their exports are not being transferred, directly or indirectly, to an end-use or end-user as described above. If in doubt, the exporter should submit an export permit application that describes the circumstances of the transaction. Goods or technology controlled under item 5505 may not be lawfully exported under the authority of a General Export Permit.

More information on this subject is available in Notice to Exporters SER-176Footnote 4.

C.4. Advisory Opinions

In addition to self-assessment against the Index of the Guide, an exporter may also choose to obtain greater certainty in regard to the technical control status of a particular export under the Export and Import Permits Act by either applying for an advisory opinion or submitting an export permit application.

The advisory opinion (AO) process is a tool provided by ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ as a courtesy to assist individuals learning to navigate the ECL and to understand the item assessment process. The AO is not a legislated requirement and does not bind the Minister's discretion under the Export and Import Permits Act or its regulations. To obtain a binding decision, an export permit application must be submitted.

Advisory Opinions are only conducted as operational requirements allow. There is no service standard timeline for an AO. If you have an urgent export requirement, it is recommended that you complete and submit an export permit application. For further information on how to apply for an export permit, please see section E of the Guide.

Please ensure that your Application for an Advisory Opinion contains all of the necessary information for it to be processed. In this regard, please refer to sections C.4.1 through C.4.4 below.

C.4.1. Limitations of an Advisory Opinion

An Advisory Opinion:

C.4.2. Advisory Opinion Letter Disclaimers

C.4.3. Advisory Opinion Applications - Supporting Information

In order to receive the most accurate advice possible:

Answer the following questions:

C.4.4. How to apply for Advisory Opinions

Having reviewed the Advisory Opinion (AO) Limitations, AO Letter Disclaimers, and AO Application Supporting Information sections, an AO request may be submitted through our online NEXCOL system. Once there, choose “Apply for... Advisory Opinion” on the left-hand menu bar. Please ensure that your submission includes as many AO Application Supporting Information elements as possible.

D. Destination and Origin Considerations

D.1. Area Control List

The export or transfer of any goods or technology (including technical data, technical assistance and information necessary for the development, production or use of a good) to countries on the Footnote 7 (ACL) is controlled and must be authorized by an export permit issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs under the authority of the Export and Import Permits Act.

As of June 20, 2019, the ACL consisted of only one country: the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), added on July 14, 2010.

Policy guidance on exports to ACL countries is published in the following Notices to Exporters.

D.2. Automatic Firearms Country Control List

Certain prohibited firearms, weapons, devices, or components thereof that are included on the Export Control List may be exported only to destinations on the Automatic Firearms Country Control List (AFCCL) and only to consignees that are government or authorized by government. These must be authorized by an export permit issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs under the authority of the Export and Import Permits Act. Canada previously required inter-governmental defence, research, development, and production arrangements (defence cooperation) with countries on the Footnote 9. With the entry into force of Bill C-47, the defence cooperation requirement has been replaced with a formal consultation process between the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Defence.

The following goods and their components and parts, as defined in Section 4.1 of the EIPA and Section 84 of the Criminal Code, are subject to the Automatic Firearms Country Control List, when these items are also included on the Export Control List:

At the time of publication, the AFCCL was comprised of the following countries:

  • Albania
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Botswana
  • Bulgaria
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Croatia
  • Czechia
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Korea, Republic of
  • Kuwait
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Peru
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Türkiye
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • Ukraine

The AFCCL regulation can be found on the web site.

D.3. Export Prohibitions and Sanctions

Certain export prohibitions have been implemented under the authority of the Export and Import Permits Act. Furthermore, the Parliament of Canada has enacted legislation authorizing the imposition of trade and economic sanctions through the United Nations Act and the Special Economic Measures Act. The Minister of Foreign Affairs is responsible for the administration of these laws. The latest information on Canada’s economic sanctions.

At the time of writing, countries listed in Table 1Footnote 10 were subject to prohibitions on certain exports. Exporters are advised to be aware of these and/or any applicable sanctions if they are exporting to or otherwise doing business in/or with any of the countries named. Sanctions do not necessarily take the form of export restrictions, nor do they necessarily apply to any country as a whole.

Exporters should also note that certain individuals and entities have been designated as terrorists under the Regulations Implementing the United Nations Resolutions on the Suppression of Terrorism and the United Nations Al-Qaida and Taliban Regulations, which both implement United Nations resolutions.

D.4. Canadian Export Controls on U.S.-Origin Goods and Technology

Export controls are generally defined with respect to technical characteristics, irrespective of the country of manufacture of an item. However, Export Control List Item 5400 controls exports of the following:


All goods and technology of United States origin, unless they are included elsewhere in this List [the Export Control List], whether in bond or cleared by Canada Border Services Agency, other than goods or technology that have been further processed or manufactured outside the United States so as to result in a substantial change in value, form or use of the goods or technology or in the production of new goods or technology.


Exports that are controlled by Item 5400 must be authorized by an export permit. Two types of export permits are possible in this case, depending on the destination of the items:

For the purpose of ECL item 5400, the clause “all goods and technology of United States origin” means items that are manufactured/created in the United States. “Origin” does not mean the country from which the items were last exported to Canada.

Exporters are advised to apply for an export permit if there is any doubt about the application of Item 5400 to their exports. Exporters will be notified in writing if their items are or are not subject to export controls.

Box 1: Exports of Controlled U.S. Goods and Technology

The US Government imposes re-transfer conditions on certain U.S.-origin goods and technology even after they have been exported from the United States. Under U.S. law, U.S. export controls may apply extra-territorially, which means that they apply even after the goods or technology in question are outside the United States and out of the possession of U.S. persons or entities.

The two main U.S. export control systems are managed, respectively, by the Export Administration Regulations (commonly referred to as the EAR), administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (see www.bis.doc.gov for more information), and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (commonly referred to as the ITAR), administered by the U.S. State Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (see www.pmddtc.state.gov for more information).

As a condition of authorizing exports of certain goods or technology to a Canadian company, the U.S. Government may require the Canadian company to obtain explicit re-export authorization before exporting the items from Canada to a third destination.

When certain goods or technology are exported from the United States, invoices and shipping documents should contain a destination control statement which forbids, for example, further transfers to any country other than the specified destination “without the prior written approval of the U.S. Department of State” [ITAR Section 123.9(b)] or which prohibits “diversion contrary to U.S. law” (EAR Section 358.6).

Canadian exporters are advised to contact their U.S. suppliers or the U.S. Government for more information about re-export authorizations which may be required.

D.5. Exports to the United States

Export permits are not required for many of the goods and technologies listed in the Export Control List if they are destined to a consignee in the United States.

Items that require an export permit to the U.S. are defined in the Export Control List (this is reflected in a statement in the Guide that the control applies to “All Destinations”). As of September 1, 2019, items that require general export permits or individual export permits to the U.S. are listed in the table below for reference.

Export Control List Items that require permits for export to the United States

Group 2 (Munitions List)

Group 3 (Nuclear Non-Proliferation List)

Group 4 (Nuclear-related Dual-Use List)

Group 5 (Miscellaneous Goods)

Group 6 (Missile Technology Control Regime List)

Group 7 (Chemical and Biological Weapons Non-Proliferation List)

Group 9 (Arms Trade Treaty)

Items exported from Canada to the U.S. are thereafter subject to U.S. export controls regardless of whether a Canadian export permit was required. Exporters are advised to obtain written assurances from their U.S. consignees that U.S. export controls will apply should the goods be subsequently exported from the United States.

If exports are destined to bonded or sufferance warehouses located in the U.S., they are considered “in transit”. Goods exported from Canada through the U.S. to a third country (i.e., transit/transshipment) require a Canadian export permit for the third country when they leave Canada.

If uncertain as to whether an export permit for the U.S. is required, an exporter should submit an export permit application to the Export Controls Division.

Any non-restricted and restricted firearms and ammunition referred to in Items 2-1 and 2-3 and any good referred to in Group 9 may be exported to the U.S. under the authority of General Export Permit No. 47 — Export of Arms Trade Treaty Items to the United States. Exporters must notify the Export Controls Operations Division in writing of their intent to use the permit prior to undertaking any exports and must report twice a year on any permanent export (i.e. items that will not be returned to Canada within two years) of Group 9 items. There are no reporting requirements for temporary exports or exports of Items 2-1 and 2-3. (For more information on General Export Permit – 47, please consult section F.5.)

D.6. OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct

The OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct is intended to provide practical information to businesses on the implementation of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises by providing explanations of its due diligence recommendations. Canadian exporters should familiarize themselves with this Guidance in order to avoid and address adverse impacts related to labour, human rights, the environment, corruption, consumers and corporate governance that may be associated with their operations, supply chains and other business relationships.

The can be found on-line.

Table 1 - Summary of Export Prohibitions*
CountrySourceExport ProhibitionExceptions
Burma (Myanmar)

A freeze on assets in Canada of any designated Myanmar nationals connected with the Myanmar State, as well as prohibitions on several categories of transactions, services and dealings involving property of designated persons, wherever situated; and

An arms embargo, including prohibitions on exporting and importing arms and related material to and from Myanmar, on communicating technical data related to military activities or arms and related material, and on financial services related to military activities or arms and related material.

Some payments required under contracts entered into before a party was designated under the Regulations; dealings related to humanitarian or development assistance; dealings required to move financial assets away from designated persons; and certain protective or non-lethal military clothing and equipment when intended for use by media, humanitarian, human rights or other listed personnel.

A separate Special Economic Measures (Burma) Permit Authorization Order (SOR/2007-286), made pursuant to subsection 4(4) of the Special Economic , authorizes the Minister of Foreign Affairs to issue to any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada a permit to carry out a specified activity or transaction, or any class of activity or transaction, that is restricted or prohibited pursuant to the Regulations.

Central African Republic (CAR)

A prohibition on the export of arms and related materiel to CAR or to any person in CAR;

A prohibition on the provision, to any person in the CAR, of technical assistance related to military activities;

An assets freeze against persons designated by the UN committee established by Resolution 2127 (2013) to oversee the sanctions against CAR (the 2127 Committee); and

A travel ban against persons designated by the 2127 Committee.

Supplies intended solely for the support of certain regional or international operations in CAR; supplies of non-lethal military equipment intended solely for humanitarian or protective use; protective clothing temporarily exported to CAR by United Nations personnel, representatives of the media and humanitarian and development workers and associated personnel, solely for their personal use; supplies of small arms and other related equipment intended solely for international patrols defending against poaching, smuggling, and other illegal activities; and supplies of arms and related material to CAR security forces for the support of or use in security sector reform.
Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) All goods and technical data. See Area Control List (section D.1 of this Handbook); brokering or other intermediary services in the class of prohibited services or assistance; prohibition on financial services with respect to activities already prohibited; transfers of bulk cash (any amount of currency whose total value is greater than $10,000 CDN),

Goods consigned to certain organizations for the purpose of safeguarding human life or disaster relief such as food, medicine and medical supplies or equipment;

Stabilization and reconstruction assistance and activities; financial or other support provided by the Government of Canada; and non-commercial remittances.

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) A prohibition on the export of arms and related materiel to any person in the territory of the DRC; a prohibition on the provision, to any person in the DRC, of technical assistance related to military activities; an assets freeze against persons designated by the UN committee established by Resolution 1533 (2004) to oversee the sanctions against the DRC (the 1533 Committee); and a travel ban against persons designated by the 1533 Committee.Subject to certain conditions, non-lethal military equipment intended solely for humanitarian or protective use, and related technical assistance; arms and related material and related technical assistance intended solely for support of, or use by, the MONUC.
Eritrea

A prohibition on the sale, supply or transfer of arms and related material to Eritrea and to persons designated by the UN committee established by Resolution 751 (1992) to oversee the sanctions against Somalia and Eritrea (the 751 Committee);

A prohibition on the provision to Eritrea and to persons designated by the 751 Committee of technical, training, financial or other assistance related to military activities or to the supply, sale, transfer, manufacture, maintenance or use of arms and related material of all types;

An assets freeze against persons designated by the 751 Committee; and

A travel ban against persons designated by the 751 Committee.

N/A
GuineaDecember 18, 2009: LLEI (DFAIT News Release 393, released December 18, 2009).Military and strategic goods reserved for the use of the armed forces, the police or other government agencies of Guinea.N/A
Iran

UN sanctions - Certain items, materials, equipment, goods and technology which could contribute to Iran's uranium enrichment-related reprocessing or heavy water-related activities or to the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems, technology related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons; arms and related materials; certain items in Group 1 and 2 of the ECL .

Dealings with "designated persons" (entities and individuals). See Section on “prohibitions” in the Regulations Implementing the UN Resolutions on Iran and the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations for details on prohibited exports.

Under the Iran UN Regulations, the Minister of Foreign Affairs may issue a certificate to authorize an activity restricted by the regulations, on a case-by-case basis, provided that the requirements of Resolution 2231 are strictly respected. The requirements may include obtaining the approval of the Security Council in advance.

A separate  Special Economic Measures (Iran) Permit Authorization Order , made pursuant to subsection 4(4) of the  Special Economic Measures Act  authorizes the Minister of Foreign Affairs to issue to any person in Canada or any Canadian outside Canada a permit to carry out a specified activity or transaction, or any class of activity or transaction, that is restricted or prohibited pursuant to the Regulations.

Iraq

A prohibition on the export of arms and related material to any person in Iraq; and

An assets freeze against the previous government of Iraq (i.e., that existed prior to May 22, 2003) and any person designated by the UN sanctions committee established pursuant to Resolution 661 (661 Committee).

 

A person that wishes to engage in any activity that is prohibited under these Regulations may, before doing so, apply to the Minister in writing for a certificate to exempt the activity from the application of the Regulations.

The Minister may issue the certificate if the Security Council of the United Nations did not intend that such an activity be prohibited or if the Security Council of the United Nations or the Committee has approved the activity in advance.

Lebanon

A prohibition on the export of arms and related material to any person in Lebanon; and

A prohibition on the provision to any person in Lebanon of any technical assistance related to the provision, manufacture, maintenance or use of arms and related material.

Arms and related material and related technical assistance authorized in advance in writing by the Government of Lebanon or by the UN Interim Force in Lebanon.
Libya

Prohibitions on the export, sale, and other provision of arms and related materials to Libya;

Prohibitions on the shipment to and from Libya of arms and related material by owners or operators of Canadian vessels or aircraft;

Prohibitions on the provision of technical, financial, and other assistance related to military activities or the use of arms and related material;

Prohibitions on providing services to designated vessels transporting illicit petroleum;

Prohibitions on dealing in Libyan petroleum transported on designated vessels; and

Prohibitions on dealings with designated persons.

Services supplied to designated vessels for the purpose of safeguarding human life;

Services supplied to designated vessels to enable a return to Libya, if the Committee of the Security Council is notified in each case;

Supplies of non-lethal military equipment intended solely for humanitarian or protective use, and related technical assistance and training;

Supplies of protective clothing and equipment, including flak jackets and military helmets, temporarily exported to Libya by United Nations personnel, representatives of the media and humanitarian and development works and associated personnel, for their personal use only;

Supplies of non-lethal military equipment intended solely for security or disarmament assistance to the Government of Libya, and related technical assistance, training and financial assistance; or

Other sales or supplies of arms and related material, or provision of assistance or personnel, as approved in advance by the Committee of the Security Council.

Affected persons can also apply for a certificate to conduct prohibited activities, although these require notification to and/or a decision from the United Nations Security Council or its Committee.

Mali Justice Canada consolidation of the 

An assets freeze against persons designated by the UN committee established by Resolution 2374 (2017) to oversee the sanctions against Mali (the 2374 Committee); and

A travel ban against persons designated by the 2374 Committee.
N/A
Pakistan May 28, 1998: EIPA (DFAIT News Release No. 136 of May 28, 1998)Military goods and technology identified in Group 2 of the Export Control List.N/A
Russia Dealings with designated persons; restrictions on certain sectors like the financial and energy sectorsCertain transactions in respect of diplomatic missions, UN agencies, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Canadian NGOs in certain circumstances
Somalia

A prohibition on the export of arms and related material to any person in Somalia and to persons designated by the UN committee established by Resolution 751 (1992) to oversee the sanctions against Somalia (the 751 Committee);

A prohibition on the provision, to any person in Somalia and to persons designated by the 751 Committee, of technical, financial or other assistance related to military activities or to the supply, sale, transfer, manufacture, maintenance or use of arms and related material;

An assets freeze against persons designated by the 751 Committee; and

Protective clothing temporarily exported to Somalia by United Nations personnel, representatives of the media and humanitarian and development workers and associated personnel, solely for their personal use;

Non-lethal military equipment intended solely for humanitarian or protective use;

Arms and related material or technical assistance intended solely for the support of or use by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development's (IGAD) protection and training mission in Somalia and Member States of the African Union;

Arms and related material or technical assistance intended solely for the support of or use by the African Union Mission in Somalia; and

Arms and related material or technical assistance intended solely for the purpose of helping develop security sector institutions.

South Sudan

Dealing in any property, wherever situated, held by or on behalf of a designated person;

Entering into or facilitating, directly or indirectly, any transaction related to such a dealing;

Providing any financial or related service in respect of such a dealing;

Making goods, wherever situated, available to a designated person; and,

Providing any financial or related service to or for the benefit of a designated person.

Causing, assisting or promoting prohibited activities is likewise prohibited.

Payments made by or on behalf of a designated person that is due under a contract entered into their designation, provided that the payment is not to a designated person or for their benefit;

Pension payments to any person in Canada or Canadian abroad;

Certain transactions in respect of diplomatic missions;

Transactions to UN agencies, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and Canadian NGOs in certain circumstances;

Transactions necessary for a Canadian to transfer to a non-designated person any accounts, funds or investments held by a designated person when that person became a designated person;

Financial services required in order for a designated person to obtain certain legal services in Canada;

Certain payments to persons in Canada or Canadians abroad in respect of loan payments; and

Payments to any person in Canada or any Canadian abroad in respect of loans entered into prior the date on which a person became a designated person.

Sudan

A prohibition on the export of arms and related material to any person in Sudan;

A prohibition on the provision, to any person in Sudan, of technical assistance related to arms and related material;

An assets freeze against those persons designated by the UN Committee established by Resolution 1591 (2005) to oversee the sanctions against Sudan (the 1591 Committee); and

A travel ban against persons designated by the 1591 Committee.

Arms and related material and related technical assistance for certain monitoring, verification or peace support operations;

Non-lethal military equipment intended solely for humanitarian, human rights monitoring or protective use, and related technical assistance;

Protective clothing intended for the personal use of United Nations personnel, human rights monitors, representatives of the media and humanitarian and development workers and associated personnel;

Arms and related material or technical assistance provided in support of implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement; and

Arms and related material or technical assistance brought into the Darfur region of Sudan with approval of the United Nations Security Council.

Syria

The provision or acquisition of financial services to, from or for the for the benefit of or on the direction or order of Syria or any person in Syria;

New investments in Syria;

The export to Syria of goods, including technical data, used for monitoring telecommunications;

The export of luxury goods to Syria;

The exports of goods listed in Schedule 2 of the Regulations, including any technical data related to such goods.

Payments made by or on behalf of designated persons pursuant to contracts entered into prior to the coming into force of that person's designation;

Humanitarian efforts and goods, such as food and medical supplies or equipment, and assistance and activities related to stabilization, democratization, development and reconstruction, if sent through one of the specified categories of organizations;

Personal or settlers' effects shipped by an individual leaving Syria and used by the individual or his or her immediate family;

Personal correspondence up to 250 g per item;

Pension payments to any person in Canada, any Canadian abroad or any person in Syria;

Transactions necessary for a Canadian to transfer any existing accounts, funds or investments of Canadians held with a designated person to a non-designated person; and

Non-commercial remittances of $ 40,000 or less.

Tunisia March 23, 2011; amendments in December 14, 2012 and February 28, 2014: Freezing Assets of Corrupt Foreign Officials (Tunisia and Egypt) RegulationsDealings with designated personsN/A
Ukraine

Dealing in any property, wherever situated, held by or on behalf of a designated person

Entering into or facilitating, directly or indirectly, any transaction related to such a dealing

Providing any financial or related service in respect of such a dealing

Making goods, wherever situated, available to a designated person

Providing any financial or related service to or for the benefit of a designated person

Make an investment in the Crimea region of Ukraine if that investment involves a dealing in any property, located in the Crimea region of Ukraine, held by or on behalf of the Crimea region of Ukraine or a person in the Crimea region of Ukraine

Provide or acquire financial or other related services to, from or for the benefit of or on the direction or order of the Crimea region of Ukraine or any person in the Crimea region of Ukraine for the purpose of making an investment referred to in paragraph (a)

Export, sell, supply, ship, or otherwise deal in goods, wherever situated, destined for the Crimea region of Ukraine or any person in the Crimea region of Ukraine

Transfer, provide or communicate technical data or services to, from or for the benefit of or on the direction or order of the Crimea region of Ukraine or any person in the Crimea region of Ukraine

Provide or acquire financial or other services related to tourism, to, from or for the benefit of or on the direction or order of the Crimea Region of Ukraine or any person in the Crimea Region of Ukraine

Dock a cruise ship in the Crimea region of Ukraine that is registered or licensed, or for which an identification number has been issued, pursuant to any Act of Parliament.

Payments made by or on behalf of designated persons pursuant to contracts entered into prior to the coming into force of the Regulations, provided that the payments are not made to or for the benefit of a designated person

Pension payments to any person in Canada or any Canadian outside Canada

Transactions in respect of accounts at financial institutions held by diplomatic missions, provided that the transaction is required in order for the mission to fulfill its diplomatic functions under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, or, transactions required in order to maintain the mission premises if the diplomatic mission has been temporarily or permanently recalled

Transactions by international organizations with diplomatic status, agencies of the United Nations, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, or Canadian non-governmental organizations that have entered into a grant or contribution agreement with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development

Transactions necessary for a Canadian to transfer to a non-designated person any accounts funds or investments of a Canadian held by a designated person on the day on which that person became designated

Financial services required in order for a designated person to obtain legal services in Canada with respect to the application of any of the prohibitions in the Regulations

Loan repayments made to any person in Canada or any Canadian abroad in respect of loans entered into before the coming into force of the Regulations, enforcement of security in respect of those loans, or payments by guarantors guaranteeing those loans

Venezuela

Dealing in property, wherever situated, that is owned, held or controlled by listed persons or a person acting on behalf of a listed person;

Entering into or facilitating any transaction related to a dealing prohibited by these Regulations;

Providing any financial or related services in respect of a dealing prohibited by these Regulations;

Making available any goods, wherever situated, to a listed person or a person acting on behalf of a listed person; and

Providing any financial or other related services to or for the benefit of a listed person.

Payments made by or on behalf of a listed person pursuant to contracts entered into prior to the coming into force of the Regulations, provided that the payments are not made to a listed person or to a person acting on behalf of a listed person;

Transactions necessary for a Canadian to transfer to a non-listed person any accounts, funds or investments of a Canadian held by a listed person on the day on which that person became listed;

Dealings with a listed person required with respect to loan repayments made to any person in Canada, or any Canadian outside Canada, for loans entered into with any person other than a listed person, and for enforcement and realization of security in respect of those loans, or repayments by guarantors guaranteeing those loans;

Dealings with a listed person required with respect to loan repayments made to any person in Canada, or any Canadian outside Canada, for loans entered into with a listed person before that person became a listed person, and for enforcement and realization of security in respect of those loans, or repayments by guarantors guaranteeing those loans;

Pension payments to any person in Canada or any Canadian outside Canada;

Financial services required in order for a listed person to obtain legal services in Canada with respect to the application of any of the prohibitions set out in these Regulations;

Transactions in respect of accounts at financial institutions held by diplomatic missions, provided that the transaction is required in order for the mission to fulfill its diplomatic functions under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, or transactions required in order to maintain the mission premises if the diplomatic mission has been temporarily or permanently recalled;

Transactions with any international organization with diplomatic status, agencies of the United Nations, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, or with any entity that has entered into a grant or contribution agreement with Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada; and

Transactions by the Government of Canada that are provided for in any agreement or arrangement between Canada and Venezuela.

Yemen

Dealing directly or indirectly, in any property in Canada as of February 26, 2014 or at any time after that date, that is owned or controlled by a person designated by the UN committee established by Resolution 2140 (2014) to oversee the sanctions against Yemen (the 2140 Committee), by a person acting on behalf of, or at the direction of, a person designated by the 2140 Committee, or by a person owned or controlled by a person designated by the 2140 Committee;

Entering into or facilitating, directly or indirectly, any financial transaction related to a dealing referred to in paragraph (a);

Providing any financial or other related service in respect of the property referred to in paragraph (a);

Making any property or any financial or related service available to a person designated by the 2140 Committee, to a person acting on behalf of, or at the direction of, a person designated by the 2140 Committee or to a person owned or controlled by a person designated by the 2140 Committee; or

Making property or any financial or other related service available for the benefit of any person referred to in paragraph (d).

N/A
Zimbabwe

A ban on the export of arms and related material to Zimbabwe or to any person in Zimbabwe;

A prohibition on the transport of arms and related material to Zimbabwe aboard a Canadian vessel or aircraft;

A prohibition on the provision of technical or financial assistance or services relating to arms and related material, including the provision, transfer or communication of technical data, to Zimbabwe or any person in Zimbabwe;

Requirement on any person in Canada and Canadian outside of Canada to freeze the assets of listed Zimbabwean persons and entities; and

A prohibition on Zimbabwean aircraft from flying over or landing in Canada.

Supplies of non-lethal military equipment intended solely for humanitarian or protective use, and related technical assistance and training;

supplies of protective clothing and equipment for the personal use of United Nations or African Union personnel, representatives of the media and humanitarian and development workers and associated personnel; and

members of the Canadian Forces in, or travelling to, Zimbabwe.

*This table has been prepared for convenience of reference only and has no official sanction. For all purposes of interpreting and applying the law, users should consult the Acts as passed by Parliament.

Abbreviations used: EIPA – Export and Import Permits Act; SEMA – Special Economic Measures Act; MICOPAX - Mission for the consolidation of peace in the Central African Republic, led by the Economic Community of Central African States; MISCA - the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic; BINUCA - the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the Central African Republic; MINUSCA - the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic; .UN – United Nations. UNOCI -- United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire; MONUC -- Mission de l'Organisation des Nations Unies en République démocratique du Congo (Mission of the United Nations in the Democratic Republic of Congo); NGO - non-government organization

E. Export and Brokering Permit Application Process

Exporters and brokers are encouraged to apply for permits as early as possible in order to avoid unnecessary delays to shipment schedules. Please refer to section F.1, below for processing times.

The first and most important step is to have a complete understanding of the context of the export. The applicant must be able to answer all of these questions in detail before filling in the application:

By its very nature, the brokering process is different from exporting. That said, there are similarities between the two. For instance, brokering focuses on comparable questions, such as: What is the item? Where is it going? Who is/are the consignees who will receive the shipment directly, and what are the broker’s contractual obligations for shipping controlled goods or technologies? Because brokering is different from exporting, brokering permit applications include a new set of considerations for officials, such as: What country is the item being shipped from? Are there other brokers, agents, or other parties involved in the transaction?

Because brokering is a more fluid activity, there may be some uncertainty as to when a brokering activity actually begins. For brokering permit applications, applicants will need to answer all, or at least most, of these questions. However, because the details of brokering activities are mutable and can evolve, the brokering permit application process allows for some flexibility in the level of detail while still providing enough information to effectively assess the application.

E.1. Confidentiality of Information

¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ is committed to respect the personal information of private persons, including safeguarding the confidentiality of information provided by companies and individuals.

Regardless of the method of application, the name and business contact information (such as address, e-mail and telephone number) are required for key parties to the transaction, such as the exporter or the seller and the consignee(s). The data is collected and used for the following purposes: evaluating and approving applications for export permits for controlled goods and technology; tracking goods and technology exported against authorized permits; and supporting other export processes such as delivery verification.

Depending on the nature and destination of the export commodities, consultations with other government departments may be required as part of the export permit approval process (such as the Department of National Defence, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, etc.). The ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ commits that the data are not used for any secondary purpose that is not permitted by law (e.g. to create profiles or marketing).

All the information collected is retained for a minimum of 2 years after the last administrative use.

Personal information is protected from disclosure to unauthorized persons and/or agencies pursuant to the provisions of the Privacy Act. While third-party commercial information may be subject to requests under the Access to Information Act, no information contained in an export permit application may be released without first consulting with the applicant.

E.2. Export Controls On-Line (NEXCOL)

Footnote 11 is an internet-based system which allows applicants to apply for export and brokering control documents electronically. NEXCOL is offered through the Government of Canada’s Secure Channel and assures client security and privacy for all on-line interactions. Users obtain their own, unique, Government of Canada Key, which allows them to access the system through a web browser.

E.2.1. NEXCOL System Requirements

The following are current local system requirements to use NEXCOL (July 2019):

In order to support login in NEXCOL, cookies will have to be accepted by the user as the system relies on Government of Canada Credential Federation (GCCF) as an authentication mechanism.

E.2.2. NEXCOL Registration – Becoming a Recognized User

NEXCOL users are either “Recognized” or “Non Recognized”. By default, users are Non Recognized and may apply for Export Permits, Brokering Permits, International Import Certificates, and Delivery Verification Certificates on-line, as well as attach electronic copies of required supporting documents to their applications.

Applicants who apply or have applied for more than one export or brokering permit annually are advised to become Recognized Users of NEXCOL. In addition to the functions available to Non-Recognized Users, Recognized Users may also do the following on-line:

Recognized User privileges require registration of the exporting or brokering company and of each individual company representative who will access NEXCOL on behalf of the company.

There are two forms:

  1. Application for an NEXCOL Recognized Business: The information provided in the Recognized Business form is used to create an account (EIPA Number) within NEXCOL for the corporate entity. Each business then designates individual Recognized Users who will be able to access this information and use NEXCOL on behalf of the corporate entity.
  2. Application for an NEXCOL Recognized Individual: A Recognized User form must be submitted for each and every person who needs access to NEXCOL on behalf of the Recognized Business, even if there is only one individual from the business who will use NEXCOL. Each individual must sign the Recognized User form and thereby attest that (a) he or she understands the rules regarding the Access Code and electronic submissions, and (b) he or she consents to the collection, retention and sharing of the personal information required for the NEXCOL account. Deletions and additions of Recognized Users can be requested at any time.

These forms are available for printing from the NEXCOL sectionFootnote 12 of the website.

Steps for NEXCOL registration:

E.2.3. On-line Applications for Export or Brokering Permits

Instructions:

Once you have submitted your application, the system will automatically generate a reference number (Ref. ID). Please quote the Ref. ID on all correspondence regarding your export permit application.

If you have technical difficulties using the NEXCOL system, please contact NEXCOL Help Desk at 1 (877) 808-8838 or via e-mail.

E.2.4. Paper Applications for Export or Brokering Permits

Data entry of all paper applications may delay the processing time for export and brokering permit applications. Required forms may be downloaded from the Export Controls website at (on the NEXCOL information page) or may be requested by telephone from the Export Controls Division at (343) 203-4331.

Forms that are not legible will be returned without action.

For exports and brokering transactions consisting of complete firearms or their receiver/frames (but not for other firearm parts, accessories, or ammunition):

For brokering transactions:

For exports and brokering transactions of allother goods and technology (apart from logs and woodchips), including firearm parts, accessories, or ammunition:

Export and brokering permit applications should be sent, with all supporting documents, by fax to (613) 996-9933 or by mail to: Export Controls Division, ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ, 125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0G2.

E.3. How to Complete the Export Permit Application (step-by-step)

Important Information:

Applicants should bear in mind that an export permit and all documentation submitted with it are legally binding on all parties once an export permit is issued. The Export and Import Permits Act prohibits the “export or transfer, or attempt to export or transfer, any goods or technology included in an Export Control List or any goods or technology to any country included in an Area Control List except under the authority of, and in accordance with an export permit issued under this Act.” (Section 13)

Furthermore, the Export and Import Permits Act states that, “No person shall willfully furnish any false or misleading information or knowingly make any misrepresentation in any application for a permit … or for the purpose of procuring its issue or grant or in connection with any subsequent use of the permit … or the exportation … of goods or technology to which it relates.” (Section 17).

The following section describes the content that is required in each field of the export permit application, either in NEXCOL or on paper forms. Incomplete export permit applications will be returned without action by the Export Controls Division. Information entered on the export permit application must be consistent with information entered on the Export Declaration (or other export reporting documents) submitted to the Canada Border Services Agency when the items are presented for export. Otherwise the items tendered for export may be detained at the border.

E.3.1. NEXCOL Field: Applicant information

The Client Name is the name of the business or individual acting as Applicant.

For export permit applications, section 7 of the Export and Import Permits Act requires that the Applicant be a resident of Canada (defined as “…in the case of a natural person, a person who ordinarily resides in Canada and, in the case of a corporation, a corporation having its head office in Canada or operating a branch office in Canada”).

The Applicant and Exporter do not need to be the same.

If the Applicant is a business, the Applicant must hold a resident Business Number (formerly known as a GST Number) issued by the . A Business Number is not necessary for an application by an individual.

The Applicant must hold an EIPA Number issued by ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ before the export permit application can be processed. However, export permit applications submitted through NEXCOL by businesses that do not already have an EIPA Number will be assigned one upon receipt of the export permit application by ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ.

Please note that Canadian telephone numbers should be separated by dashes (e.g., 613-996-2387).

E.3.2. NEXCOL Field: Exporter information

In most instances, the applicant would also be the exporter of the controlled goods or technology. In a case where the applicant and exporter are different entities (e.g. the exporter is a non-resident of Canada), the Client Name provided in this field must be the Exporter, that is the business or individual that exports the goods or technology or has the legal right to cause them to be exported. The wording “cause them to be exported” does not mean the person involved in the transportation (carriage) of the goods. For more information, please consult the publication “”.

The Exporter address must be the location from which the goods or technology will be shipped at the time of export. Where the exporter is a non-resident of Canada, the address to be listed in the application will be its foreign address. The exporter name and address provided must match the exporter information as stated in the Export Declaration or other documentation which is presented to customs authorities when the goods are presented for export.

The exporter may be a non-resident of Canada but the applicant must always be a resident of Canada. In the case of a non-resident exporter, the applicant accepts legal responsibility for the use of the export permit if issued and is responsible for the export and potential violations.

If the Exporter is a business, the Exporter must hold a resident or non-resident Business Number (HST Number) issued by the . A Business Number is not necessary for an exporter who is an individual. The Exporter must hold an EIPA Number issued by ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ before the application can be processed. However, applications submitted through NEXCOL by businesses that do not have an EIPA Number will be assigned one upon receipt of the application in the Export Controls Division.

E.3.3. NEXCOL Field: Consignee information

Foreign parties (individuals, companies or other entities) that must be identified in an export permit application typically fall into the following categories:

Information on other foreign parties involved in the export, if any, such as freight forwarders and financial institutions, may be provided by the applicant, or requested in certain circumstances by ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ, but does not usually appear on the export permit.

Accurate and complete information about the foreign parties involved in the export of goods and technology from Canada is essential to the review of an application. Verification of the legitimacy of the foreign parties to the transaction is one of the factors used to determine whether the proposed transaction is consistent with Canada’s foreign and defence policies.

Such verification is also a responsibility of the applicant. It is expected that Canadian exporters of controlled goods and technology will make appropriate enquiries as to the intended end-use of the export and to fully declare this end-use when making an application. Furthermore, any relevant information pertaining to the proposed export should also be disclosed in the application (see Box 3: Evaluating Foreign Clients below, for more information). In other words, an applicant/exporter should exercise due diligence and know who the foreign parties are, including the end-users.

E.3.3.1. Consignee

The Consignee is the foreign party or parties who will be importing the goods or technology from the Canadian exporter into a foreign country.

In the majority of cases, there are only two parties involved in an export transaction: the Exporter and the Consignee (importer). When the Canadian exporter has signed a contract directly with and will deliver the goods or technology to a foreign customer, for their own use, the customer is the Consignee.

In cases where the Canadian exporter is carrying or shipping goods or technology to several countries (for example, for demonstrations at trade shows or visits to customers), the location in the first country of destination should be used for the Consignee. Other destinations should be described in the Overall Description of Goods and End-Use (see Section E.3.4 below). The Canadian export permit will cover the movement from Canada to the first country of destination and subsequent movements between countries will be subject to foreign export control laws and regulations.

A “carnet” is a “cargo control document (CCD)” issued by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. This document may help facilitate subsequent movements between countries. A carnet is an international customs document used for temporary, duty-free exports (i.e., the exported goods will return to Canada after less than 1 year). It is currently accepted in over 71 countries. Items which enter a country under the authority of a carnet are not to be sold. For more information about Canadian carnets, please visit your local Chamber of Commerce or consult the following .

Please note that the possession of a “carnet” does not absolve an exporter or importer from the requirement to obtain a permit in order to export or import goods and technology controlled under the Export and Import Permits Act.

Applicants may submit permit applications with multiple Consignees, provided they are located in the same country.

For a Multiple Destination permit (MDP), choose “Multiple” under “Consignee Type” in NEXCOL and then the applicable multiple destination permit type. (For further information on MDPs, see Section F.7, below).

E.3.3.2. End-user

Applicants for export permits are required to identify end-users of the goods or technology proposed for export if this will not be the Consignee. In general, the end-user is the entity that employs or uses the goods or technology that were exported from Canada for the purpose for which they were intended.

In many cases, the Consignee is the end-user of an exported good or technology. In other cases, when there are several foreign parties with an interest in a transaction, the end-user may be more difficult to identify.

A foreign manufacturer that uses goods (such as components, assemblies, etc.) or technology to produce or develop new products, or which integrates them into new products, is the end-user of the goods or technology exported from Canada. Subsequently, the new products may be sold by the foreign manufacturer to a third party. The foreign manufacturer may consider the buyers of these new products with Canadian content to be its own end-users.

In cases where the Consignee resells or distributes the goods or technology (in their original form, as they were exported from Canada), the Consignee is not considered to be the end-user. In this case, the end-user would be the third party who will acquire the goods or technology and this should be clearly identified on the Export Permit application.

In the case of repairs, the entity which owns the goods that are being repaired is typically the end-user.

If the roles of the parties are uncertain, or if there are third parties involved in the export transaction, it is strongly recommended that applicants provide a covering letter in addition to the required supporting documentation (see section E.4), explaining the complete details of the transaction as well as all the parties involved. Insufficient information about the transaction may cause delays in your application as the Export Controls Division may be unable to make a determination on your application.

End-use assurances are an essential part of export permit applications. Common examples are provided below which may assist you in determining the end-user of your export transaction. More information about end-use assurances can be found in section E.4.2.

Box 2: Examples of Consignees and End-Users

The following examples may help to distinguish between consignees and end-users in more complex cases.

Consignee re-sells to end-user: A company in the UK wins a contract to supply parachutes to the UK Ministry of Defence. The UK company buys the parachutes from Canada and, according to the contract, the Canadian exporter delivers the parachutes to the UK company. The UK company subsequently sells these Canadian parachutes to the Ministry of Defence. In this scenario, the UK company is the consignee and the Ministry of Defence is the end-user.

Canadian exporter delivers to end-user: A company in the UK wins a contract to supply parachutes for the UK Ministry of Defence. The UK company buys these parachutes from Canada and contracts with the Canadian exporter to deliver them directly to the UK Ministry of Defence. In this scenario, the Ministry of Defence is the consignee and the end-user.

Consignee is a manufacturer: A company in the UK that manufactures pilot ejector seats buys parachutes from Canada. The Canadian exporter delivers the parachutes to the UK company. The UK company sells its pilot ejector seats, which include the Canadian parachutes, to a company in France, which installs the ejector seats on an aircraft. The Canadian exporter has no direct relationship with the French company. The UK company is the consignee and the end-user of the goods exported from Canada (the parachutes). The end-use of the Canadian goods is for the production of pilot ejector seats in the UK, for subsequent use by the French company in the assembly of an aircraft; this needs to be fully described in the Canadian export permit application (preferably in a cover letter or in the “Applicant/Exporter Comments” field, “Items” tab of the permit application).

Parts used for repair overseas: A company in Italy buys spare aircraft parts from a Canadian exporter. According to its contract, the exporter ships the goods directly to a company in Portugal which uses the goods to repair an aircraft owned by the Italian company. In this scenario, the consignee is the Portuguese company and the end-user is the company in Italy.

Multiple trade shows: A Canadian exporter intends to participate in trade shows in three different countries over a two month period. The first trade show is in Germany, the next one in France and the last in the Netherlands. After that, the goods return to Canada. The Canadian export permit will identify a consignee in Germany only. The Canadian exporter should obtain a carnet from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to cover the movement of the goods to France and the Netherlands. The details of the full itinerary must be submitted with the permit application including, if possible, a copy of the carnet.

Box 3: Evaluating Foreign Clients

The following questions are meant to assist exporters to evaluate the legitimacy and credibility of foreign customers who wish to acquire goods or technology controlled under the Export and Import Permits Act. If answers to the following questions raise suspicions about potential foreign customers, exporters should describe the circumstances in their export permit application in the NEXCOL field "Overall Description of Goods and End-Use".

  • How well do you know the foreign customer? Is it difficult to obtain information about that company or entity?
  • Is the customer reluctant to provide an end-use assurance document? Is information not forthcoming in comparison to past experiences with other customers? Does the product fit the customer's business profile?
  • If you have done business with the customer before, is this a usual request for him/her to make?
  • Does the customer seem familiar with the product type and its performance characteristics, or is there an obvious lack of technical knowledge?
  • Does the customer reject the customary installation, training, or maintenance services provided?
  • Is unusual packaging and labelling required?
  • Is the shipping route unusual?
  • Is the customer ordering an excessive amount of spare parts or other items that are related to the product, but not related to the stated end-use?
  • Is the customer offering unusually profitable payment terms, such as a much higher price than normal? Is the customer offering to pay in cash?
  • Is the customer or the end-user tied to the military or the defence industry, or to any military or governmental research body?

E.3.3.3. Other information about consignees

Export permit applications that list a Canadian consignee address cannot be processed and will be returned without action.

Consignee addresses should identify the location of the consignees to whom the goods or technology are to be shipped or conveyed to directly. Consignee addresses must be complete. Post office boxes alone are not acceptable. Where available, consignee website addresses should be indicated along with contact e-mail addresses.

When entering telephone and fax numbers, applicants should separate country and area codes by using a dash between each set of numbers (e.g., 1-613-996-2387). Applicants should verify all consignee contact information (including telephone and fax numbers, e-mail addresses, and websites). Incomplete or inaccurate information may result in the return of the export permit application without action.

Exporters may wish to refer to Footnote 21, which provides a definition of consignee for the purpose of export reporting.

E.3.4. NEXCOL Field: Overall description of goods and end-use

This field is used by the applicant/exporter to share data with their permit officer. It is used to provide details/clarification on the goods and their end-useFootnote 22.

The exporter should provide general information about the proposed export in this field, including the following (as applicable):

Example of how to complete “Overall Description of Goods & End-Use” field:

E.3.4. EXCOL Field: Overall description of goods and end-use” field
Text versionDescribe what is being exported, to whom and indicate end-use

E.3.5. NEXCOL Field: Applicant/Exporter comments

As illustrated below, in this field the applicant may, if available and desired, include additional comments which are relevant to the application, such as:

E.3.5. EXCOL Field: Applicant/Exporter comments
Text version

Add pertinent information or special information here, for example:

  • Cite ITAR exemptions
  • Note details on the roles of the parties involved in the export transactions
  • Justification for an urgent request

Where the above listed information is provided in the “Applicant/Exporter Comment”, a separate cover letter need not be submitted. For complicated transactions, the Applicant may provide a cover letter clearly detailing the relevant information in order for the permit officer to fully understand and assess the transaction and the proposed export.

E.3.6. NEXCOL Field: Export type

Indicate the type of export, whether permanent (the items will be exported and are not intended to return to Canada) or temporary (the items will be exported and are intended to return to Canada after a period of time).

E.3.6.1. Permits for Temporary Exports

Permits for temporary exports are common for controlled items exported for trade shows, exhibitions, demonstrations, provision of services, repair by the original manufacturer, and other activities after which the items will be returned to Canada. Exporters must apply for an export permit in the normal manner and must note in the body of the application that they are asking for a permit for a temporary export (including the required validity date for the permit). Note: Exports by intangible means (including software) cannot be designated as temporary. In granting an export permit for a temporary export, the Export Controls Division may place certain conditions on the export. These conditions may include:

Box 4: Applications to Export Goods Temporarily (including for Repairs, Upgrades, and to Loan Equipment)

In cases where equipment is being temporarily returned to the manufacturer or a foreign client for repair, maintenance upgrade or on loan, the value on the permit application should be stated in Canadian dollars as the normal commercial value of the goods or technology being exported.

For clarity, the Item Description of each good that is being temporarily exported should contain the following: “(to be repaired.)”, “(to be upgraded)”, or “(on loan)”.

Examples as they might be displayed on an export permit:

Item No.Item DescriptionQuantityUnit ValueTotal Value
1X35 microprocessor
P/N 12345
(to be repaired)
10$560$5,600
2Utopia display unit
ModelUPZ02
(to be upgraded)
2$2,000$4,000
3XYZ amplifier
Model number ABC
(on loan)
1$1,000$1,000

E.3.7. NEXCOL Field: Description

The “Description” field is one of the most important fields of the permit application as it defines the parameters and limitations of the permit. It is also a key element of Canada Border Services Agency review.

The Description identifies the goods or technology on the export permit, which will also be verified against the Export Declaration submitted to the Canada Border Services Agency at the time of export (see section H). Exporters must ensure that item descriptions declared on the customs export declaration are consistent with the description found on the export permit. This may avoid unnecessary delays and potential detention of the goods.

You should limit your item description to the following three points:

  1. The name of the item – The name should clearly identify the item like a picture would do; don’t use internal specialized company jargon, use laymen’s terms that licensing and customs officials can relate to;
  2. The identification number – Provide a model or part number making sure that it is both on the documents and on the item; don’t put a list of numbers, keep it short;
  3. What is it used for or part of - The third line of the item description (see below) may be used to include details helping the reviewers to better understand the nature of the goods being exported (e.g. items to be incorporated in a civilian aircraft XX324).

Item Descriptions that do not follow this format will not be considered and the application will be returned without action.

Where the quantity is given as a weight or volume, the unit of measure must be stated in the Description field.

Additional description-related details on packaging, use, or physical appearance of the product may be provided in the field “Overall Description of Goods and End-Use” (see section E.3.4). Do not include references to the Export Control List (self-assessments should be provided in the field “ECL No.”, section E.3.14), Sales or Purchase Order numbers or information that the sale was made in another foreign currency (e.g. that the sale was in U.S. dollars). This information can be placed in the “Applicant/Exporter Comments” field.

When exporting complete systems or items such as aircraft, aircraft simulators or vehicles, the same approach may be taken. A single line item description may be used to describe the item, for example, “Ford 2001, F-350 Super Duty Truck”. However, if the item will be disassembled for shipment into several major components, these components should be clearly reflected in the line item description. For example, a disassembled car might be described as follows: “disassembled Ford 2001, F-350 Super Duty Truck, components include 5.4 L V8 engine block, Chassis, body”.

When exporting spare parts for a complex item, exporters should use several lines to reflect the main systems. For example, a helicopter might be broken down by the following systems: Fuselage, Wings, Flight Controls, Avionics, Engines, Hydraulics system. Each line item description should include a high level list of the types of items that would be exported under each of these systems. “Lot” may be used instead of specific quantities when grouping these types of exports.

Example of how to complete line item description in NEXCOL:

E.3.7. EXCOL Field: Description
Text version“Item Name" Identifying Number Used in / component of a system Self-assess against the Export Control List (see Section C) or add “ACL” where goods are going to an Area Control List destination (see section D.1).

E.3.7.1. Kits

A kit is a collection of goods that are sold together as a defined product (as opposed to a collection of spare parts put together for a specific customer).

When exporting "Kits" that contain a mixture of articles, the description line should include the kit name, a high level list of the items which are included in the kit, and an identifying number if available. For example:

E.3.7.1. Kits
Text versionDescription of kit in the item description Item ‘1’ Description: Civil Protection kit which includes: vest, headset, helmet, ear pieces, power controller, cables p/n 

E.3.7.2. Product Components

Similarly, when exporting spare parts for a product, the description line should include a list of the types of components that will be exported and the name of the final product for which they are intended (see line 2 in example provided below).

E.3.7.2. Product Components
Text versionProduct components – Line 2 provides a high level of the ECL controlled components of night vision goggles which may be shipped as spares

E.3.7.3. Intangibles

The ECL covers both physical shipments of controlled goods, as well as technology and/or transfers of controlled software or technology by intangible means. As illustrated below, Item descriptions for intangible exports need to 1) describe the goods or technology being exported and, 2) provide information about the method of transfer (see also Box 5 – Exports by Intangible Means).

E.3.7.3. Intangibles
Text version“The method of transfer should be included for intangible transfers. “Lot” may be used instead of quantity as it may be difficult to quantify the export of technology.

Box 5: Exports by Intangible Means

Certain types of products lend themselves to exportation by intangible means, such as: software and source code, services, and other technology. Exports by intangible means may occur by way of, for example:

  • provision of services or training
  • downloads or other electronic file transfers
  • file sharing
  • cloud access
  • e-mails
  • faxes
  • telephone conversations
  • teleconference
  • face-to-face meetings

How to apply for export permits for exports by intangible means

Transfers by intangible means of items such as software or technology that is subject to export controls must be authorized by an export permit. When applying for export permits which include exports of controlled software or technology by intangible means, the applicant should indicate the product nomenclature that will be exported by intangible means on a separate line on the export permit application. The export permit application line description for items which will be exported or transferred by intangible means should include the following elements:

  • What is it? e.g., what is the brand and product name?; is it technical data, technical assistance, information, etc.? – usually a brief description is necessary in this field.
  • What is the purpose of the export or transfer of technology? e.g., for the development or production or use of a product or article which is controlled for export on the Export Control List? What is the name of the project under development for which purpose the technology will be exported?
  • In what form will the technology be exported? e.g.:
    • Technical data: blueprints, formulae, plans, models, engineering designs and specifications, manuals, instructions, etc.
    • Technical assistance: instruction, skills development, working knowledge, consulting services, training, etc.
    • Software (you should clearly define the item being exported): executable code, source code, version number, etc. (see section E.3.13 for other examples)
    • Services: such as training, consulting, troubleshooting, or instruction – exports of services by intangible means are often linked to physical goods exports. This link or relationship should be clearly stated in the item description (see fictional examples below). Transfers by intangible means should be covered on a separate export permit application line.
  • How will the product be exported? e.g., electronic file transfers, fax, in-situ training seminars, “help desk” advice, telephone discussions or negotiations?

Line item descriptions should not contain Export Control List numbers or make reference to documents or statements attached or mentioned elsewhere. The line item description entered on the export permit application should stand alone as a description of the export by intangible means, identifying the item being exported or transferred.

Line item descriptions allow the establishment of clear and appropriate parameters which effectively define the proposed export or transfer and support its monitoring. A proper line item description avoids potential confusion for all parties involved in the transfer/export process.

Fictional examples of acceptable item descriptions would be:

  • Operation and maintenance manuals and diagrams for the use of X35 Transmitters in the Acme military communications satellite program to be exported by downloads from a secure website.
  • Technical and engineering services and manuals for overhaul of the N40 jet engine to be directly provided by exporter's employees.
  • Source code sharing for international co-development of ABC operating system.
  • Executable software upgrade downloads for previously exported training simulators, model XYZ (originally exported under export permit number xxx).

Due to the nature of technology and the ability to export intangibles in different forms (e.g., in a physical form or by electronic means), exporters may, when necessary, request quantities as “lots” when applying for an export permit. Total value entered on such applications should reflect the total value of the supply contract over the life of the export permit. In some cases, a condition of using the export permit may be that reports of actual shipments of the products authorized for export must be submitted at regular intervals. In cases where the unit of measure used is “Lot”, exporters may report a share of the total value of the “Lot” exported in the relevant period.

Compliance and records

Exporters of controlled goods and technology are obliged by law to maintain for a period of six years all records with respect to exports made under the authority of export permits issued under the EIPA. This record-keeping obligation applies equally to exports by intangible means.

The export control function has historically been carried out by a company’s shipping department. However, in the modern environment of electronic communications and globalized technology development – an environment in which exports of controlled technology can take place from a desktop – responsible exporters should ensure that all business units conform to enterprise-wide policies and procedures on export controls compliance.

E.3.8. NEXCOL Field: Item Type (including quantity and value)

E.3.8.1. Quantity

Select one item type: “quantity”, “lot” or “no commercial value” and provide the corresponding information for the selection.

If a unit of measure is used, it should be stated in the item Description. This typically occurs in the case of bulk shipments. For example, to describe an export of 10 litres of milk, the applicant would state "10" in the quantity field and include a description of: "Milk (quantity stated in litres)".

Box 6: Applications to Permanently Export Goods after Temporary Import into Canada (including Exports after Repairs and Returns of Equipment on Loan)

When applying to permanently export goods that have been temporarily imported into Canada and are being returned to a foreign client, the value of each line item should reflect only the cost of new revenue generated due to the transaction, as paid for by the customer for the new export. This amount, in Canadian dollars, is entered in the Unit Value field in NEXCOL or on the paper forms.

With respect to repairs, if the cost of repairs is unknown at the time of the export permit application, a high estimate may be entered to ensure that the actual value of repairs which is declared on customs documents at the time of export does not exceed the value stated on the export permit.

The repair value should be zero in the case of repairs made under warranty, which result in no new revenue for the exporter; applicants for such permits may choose the “No commercial value” option in the NEXCOL Description field in order to obtain a dollar value of zero.

Similarly, in cases where loaned or leased equipment is being returned to a foreign consignee (that is, the owner of the goods) and does not result in any new revenue for the Canadian business, the Unit Value should be reported as zero.

For clarity, the Item Description of each good that is being returned should contain the following: “(Repair value stated.)” or “(Warranty repair.)” or “(Return of loaned equipment.)”. Furthermore, the Item Description field should include the value that would be charged for the export of each unit of the good if it were new (i.e. the normal sale price or normal commercial value).

Examples as they might be displayed on an export permit:

Item No.Item DescriptionQuantityUnit ValueTotal Value
1X35 microprocessor
P/N 12345
(Warranty repair. Normal commercial value is $560 per unit.)
10$0$0
2Utopia display unit
Model AZP-02
(Repair value stated. Normal commercial value is $2,000 per unit)
2$400$800
3Amplifier
Model NEW-03
(Return of loaned equipment. Normal commercial value is $1,000 per unit.)
1$0$1,000 $0
4

X35 microprocessor P/N XYZ
(return of non-conforming good to supplier)

1$560$560

Return of non-conforming or discrepant goods to a supplier is not treated in the same manner. The Item Description field should indicate the full value of the goods being returned as per the example below.

“No Commercial Value” is used when there is a positive quantity but a dollar value of zero (used, for example, when goods are being exported under warranty; see Box 6 for more information).

“Lot” should be chosen for “bulk goods” or when the goods described on a single line cannot be easily quantified but they have a positive dollar value for the purpose of the application. Lots are commonly used with exports of information that may be transferred in different intangible forms (such as in meetings and electronic downloads).

“Lot” may also be chosen for zero valued transactions, as in the export of information through intangible means (e.g. updates and patches to previously exported software). In this case, a nominal value of $1.00 or less may be indicated in the “Total Value” field, as the system requires that a value be indicated when choosing “Lot”.

If repairs are anticipated over the duration of the permit, Exporters may add additional lines to cover those potential repairs on their initial permit application.

The example below illustrates how to structure a permit to cover anticipated repairs. In this example, the applicant has requested to export 100 widgets. Based on historical sales, the exporter estimates that for every 100 widgets sold, 25% of the units will be shipped back for repair. Line 2 reflects the number of goods to be repaired under warranty. If a warranty plan will not cover all repairs, a third line item can be added to cover anticipated repairs with a fee. By using this approach, exporters do not have to apply for a new permit if their product is returned for repair during the validity period of their permit.

E.3.8.1. Quantity
Text versionHow to structure a permit to cover anticipated repairs

E.3.8.2. Value

Value must be expressed in Canadian dollars and should represent the invoice or sale price paid by the foreign customer (see Box 7 below on how to account for exchange rate fluctuations if the sale price is denominated in another currency). If the exact unit value is not known at the time that the application is submitted, it should be estimated. Exporters should ensure that the actual value that will be declared at the time of export does not exceed the estimate declared on the export permit.

For permanent exports of new goods or technology, the value should reflect the full sale price.

For permanent exports of goods repaired in Canada, the value should reflect only the cost of repairs in Canada (see Box 6: Applications to Export Goods Repaired in Canada).

The value of temporary exports from Canada should be declared as the normal commercial value of the goods or technology being exported.

Exports which exceed those defined on the export permit in value or quantity may constitute a violation of the Export and Import Permits Act. If the value of goods or technology increases between the time the application was made and the date of export, a Permit Amendment Request should be submitted to change the permit prior to shipment.

Box 7: Exchange Rate Fluctuations

The value of an export authorized by an export permit may not exceed the value stated on the permit. Since this value is stated in Canadian dollars, when sales are denominated in another currency, exchange rate changes may cause the value of the export to exceed the value stated on the permit, even though the goods or technology being exported are otherwise as described on the permit.

This problem may be more acute in the case of permits that are valid for several years. This problem is particularly important when exporters are required to submit periodic reports of exports made under the authority of a permit (see for example section G.2.1 below).

To avoid this problem, applicants are encouraged to use an estimated rate of exchange (up to 15% above the actual rate) that offsets potential currency fluctuations. The exchange rate used should be identified in the “Exporter/Applicants Comments” field of the permit application (for example, "Sales are made in US dollars. Exchange rate used here is $1.35 Canadian = $1 US").

When the exchange rate fluctuates outside this range, exporters must submit a Permit Amendment Request to change the unit value reflected on the permit prior to shipment in order to ensure that the Canadian dollar value of an export authorized by a permit does not exceed the value stated on the permit. The applicant should attach a statement which notes the exchange rate at the time of the original application and the prevailing exchange rate at the time of the amendment request.

E.3.9. NEXCOL Field: U.S. Content

U.S.-origin value is an estimated percentage of the total value in Canadian dollars.

If the goods or technology being exported contain some U.S. content and are controlled in Groups 2 or 6, or by Item 5504 of the Export Control List, refer also to section E.4.3 below.

E.3.10. NEXCOL Field: Country of Manufacture

Country where the goods or technology were produced or assembled into their final form prior to export from Canada.

E.3.11. NEXCOL Field: Goods are specially designed or modified for

Specify whether the goods are designed or modified for (select one): "military use", "space use", "nuclear use", "other (specify)". Appropriate supporting documentation should be attached to the application. Otherwise leave blank.

E.3.12. NEXCOL Field: Goods employing cryptography

For information security products, indicate if the goods employ cryptography (including encryption or decryption). Otherwise leave blank.

E.3.13. NEXCOL Field: Supplementary information

Optional statements that clarify the nature of the export, such as:

E.3.14. NEXCOL Field: ECL No.

Using the latest version of the Export Control List as published in the GuideFootnote 23, identify the Export Control List Item number which describes the goods or technology proposed for export. See section C for information on determining the Export Control List Item Number.

E.3.15. NEXCOL Field: Additional information attached

Specify any additional, supporting documentation that is attached to the application (you must attach some documents, see section E.4 below.)

E.4. Mandatory Supporting Documentation

Supporting documentation is an important part of the application. Exporters must submit at least one technical document and an end-use assurance document to supplement the completed export permit application form.

Additional documents (such as purchase order, contracts, or invoices) may be added to further support the export request. Although not mandatory, it is strongly recommended that applicants include a covering letter as part of their supporting documentation describing the context of the export transaction as this will enable a more efficient review of the export permit application by the assigned permit officer.

Electronic documents (including scans of paper copies) should be attached to export permit applications made on-line using the NEXCOL system. As indicated in the example on the next page, Applicants are requested to separate different documents for ease of reference at different stages of the review process.

E.4.1. Technical description of the goods or technology

The Export Controls Division undertakes a technical assessment of the goods, services, and technology listed in the export permit application to determine under which Export Control List Item(s) they fall. For this purpose, technical specifications of the export must be detailed and adequately describe the characteristics of the goods, services and technology. Enough details must be provided to establish the true nature of the items. These could be provided in the form of drawings, data sheets, manuals, component lists, block diagrams, exploded view drawings, and so on. Marketing brochures may also provide useful additional information. The information that is submitted should make clear the type and function of the goods or technology and provide key technical parameters.

Failure to provide technical specifications for the items may delay the processing of your export permit application or result in it being returned to you without action.

Example of how to list supporting documents in NEXCOL:

E.4.1. Technical description of the goods or technology
Text version
  • Mandatory Supporting Documents
    • Technical Specifications
    • End-Use Assurance
    • US Export Authorization (where applicable)
  • Optional Supporting Documents such as:
    • Cover letter
    • Contract
    • Letter of credit

E.4.2. End-Use Assurances

There are several types of end-use assurance documents. The provision of end-use assurances does not in any way imply that an export permit will be issued. All export permit applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and on their own merits.

Exporters must submit at least one end-use assurance document with their export permit application and are encouraged to include several such documents, as available. This will ensure that the Export Controls Division has a clear understanding of the proposed export and will help to expedite the review process.

E.4.2.1. End-Use Certificates

An End-Use Certificate is issued by the government of the final destination country and is attached to the Canadian export permit application. An End-Use Certificate:

E.4.2.2. End-Use Statements

If an official document from the final destination government is not available, an End-Use Statement from the consignee is generally acceptable (see Box 2 in section E.3.3 above for more information on consignees and end-users).

In certain cases, the applicant may be requested to provide a statement or statements from parties other than the consignee (e.g., in certain cases when the consignee is not the end-user).

An End-Use Statement must be dated (within 6 months from the time the export permit application is submitted) and written on company letterhead in either English or French and should:

E.4.2.3. International Import Certificates

An International Import Certificate is provided to the exporter by the end-user and is issued to the end-user by the government of the final destination country. It states the items (including quantities and values) which will be imported and provides both governments with an assurance that the goods will not be diverted to illegitimate end-users. The Canadian exporter must attach the International Import Certificate to the export permit application and submit it to the Export Controls Division within the validity period (usually 6 months) of the International Import Certificate.

E.4.2.4. Import Licences

Import Licences are issued by the government of the final destination country when imports of the items proposed for export from Canada are controlled. If an Import Licence is required, the end user must obtain it and provide a copy to the Canadian exporter, who must then attach the copy of the Import Licence to the export permit application.

E.4.2.5. Informal End-Use Assurance Documents

Applicants are encouraged to attach the documents described below to their export permit applications, in addition to formal end-use assurances. These will ensure that the Export Controls Division has a clear understanding of the proposed export and will help to expedite the review process. However, provision of such information is optional unless specified by the Export Controls Division.

At the discretion of the Export Controls Division, applicants may substitute one or more of the alternative, informal, end-use assurance documents listed below for the formal end-use assurances described above. These informal end-use documents support the applicant’s statements about the destination, consignees, and end-use of the goods or technology proposed for export:

Applicants will need to provide their rationale and/or justification in a cover letter (or under the exporter’s comments in NEXCOL), in order to have these informal end-use assurance documents taken into consideration by the Export Controls Division.

E.4.2.6. End-Use Assurance for Firearms, Components, Ammunition and Explosives

Export permits for firearms, firearm components and ammunition may not be issued unless the exporter provides an import licence or other proof that the items will legally enter the country of destination. To meet the requirements of the Organization of American States’ Convention on Firearms, Explosives and Related Material, proof of a transit authorization may be required if the items are transiting a third country.

E.4.2.7. Delivery Verification Certificates

A Delivery Verification Certificate is typically issued to the consignee by the government of the country to which the item has been exported and provides official confirmation that the goods have been delivered in accordance with the terms of both the Canadian export permit and/or the foreign-issued International Import Certificate. In some cases, Canadian exporters are required to obtain and submit to the Export Controls Division applicable Delivery Verification Certificates as a condition of their export permit.

For information about applying for a Canadian Delivery Verification Certificate (to confirm that items controlled in another country have been imported into Canada), please see section K.3.

E.4.3. U.S. Export Authorization

The Export Permits Regulations require that a U.S. Export Authorization be provided with every application to export goods or technology that are:

A U.S. Export Authorization means a copy of any of the following approvals issued by the United States (Department of State) under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR):

In general, goods that are, or that incorporate, goods or technology that were exported from the U.S. under the authority of the U.S. Department of State and the ITAR fall into this category (see Box 1 for related information).

Exports of goods subject to domestic control under the Schedule of the Defence Production Act that are not of 100% U.S. origin but contain some U.S. content that is not subject to the ITAR must describe what the U.S. content consists of and explicitly state in the application to export those goods from Canada that this U.S. content is not subject to ITAR. In such cases, U.S. Export Authorization is not required.

E.5. Export Permit Validity

The validity period of an export permit varies depending on the items to be exported and the nature of the transaction. For electronic applications submitted in NEXCOL (as illustrated below), Applicants may select a permit expiry date which suits their export requirements and which conforms with the guidelines set out in subsections E.5.1 to E.5.7. Requests for permits which exceed a validity period of 2 years are assessed on a case-by-case basis and are granted at the discretion of the Export Controls Division based on the additional information that should be submitted, as described in E.5.1- E.5.7.

E.5. Export Permit Validity
Text versionApplicants may select a permit expiry date which suits their export requirements and which conforms with the guidelines set out in subsections E.5.1 to E.5.7

For paper applications, Applicants should state in the “Overall Description of Goods and End-Use” field of the application (see section E.3.4) or in a cover letter if it is known when the export is expected to be completed or if the export permit will be required for a specific duration.

It is strongly suggested that applicants request a validity period which is consistent to the actual needs of the proposed export transaction.

Unless otherwise stated, an export permit may authorize multiple shipments, up to the expiry of the permit and as long as the cumulative total of the quantity or value of items exported does not exceed the quantity or value stated on the permit.

The validity period of export permits may be amended after issuance (see section G.3).

Permits for temporary exports may be valid for up to 2 years.

Permits for permanent exports have validity periods according to the following guidelines.

E.5.1. Group 1

Standard – up to 2 years; up to 5 years upon request and with evidence of a long-term contract.

E.5.2. Group 2

E.5.2.1. Single Shipments

Export Control List Items 2-1 to 2-4 – Single shipment for most items to all destinations

As a general rule, export permits for military items falling under Export Control List Items 2-1 through 2-4 will be issued only for a single shipment to a single consignee. The export permit becomes invalid after the first shipment is made even if the shipment is only a partial one. Exporters must re-apply for a new export permit to cover any shortfall. An exception to the single shipment condition may be granted at the discretion of the Export Controls Division.

E.5.2.2. Multiple Shipments

Export Control List Items 2-1 to 2-22 – Standard – up to 2 years; up to 5 years upon request and with evidence of a long-term contract.

Applicants should note that permits for permanent exports in this Group may be subject to a quarterly reporting condition (see section G.2.1). Such reports must be made even when there have been no exports in a given quarter.

To reduce the number of unnecessary reports, applicants should state when the exports described in the permit application are expected to be made and request a shorter validity period than 2 years where appropriate.

E.5.3. Group 3

All Group 3 Export Control List Items – up to 5 years.

The exporter must also be in possession of a valid export licence issued by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission prior to export if the item proposed for export is subject to controls under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.

E.5.4. Group 4

All Group 4 Export Control List Items – up to 5 years.

The exporter must also be in possession of a valid export licence issued by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission prior to export if the item proposed for export is subject to controls under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.

E.5.5. Group 5

Export Control List Item 5400 when General Export Permit No. 12 does not apply (see section D.4) – up to 5 years.

Export Control List Item 5504: Standard – up to 2 years; up to 5 years upon request and with evidence of a long-term contract.

E.5.6. Group 6

Export Control List Items 6-1 and 6-2 – Single shipment.

Export Control List Items 6-3 to 6-20: Standard – up to 2 years; up to 5 years upon request and with evidence of a long-term contract.

E.5.7. Group 7

All Group 7 Export Control Items – up to 2 years.

E.6. How to Complete the Application for Brokering Permits

The following section describes the content that is required in each field of the brokering permit application, either in NEXCOL or on paper forms. If you have any questions about this process, please call the brokering hotline at (343) 203-6978.

Applicants should bear in mind that brokering permits and all submitted documentation are legally binding on all parties once the permit is issued. The Export and Import Permits Act states that “No person or organization shall broker, or attempt to broker, except under the authority of and in accordance with a brokering permit issued under this Act.” (Section 14.2).

Furthermore, the Export and Import Permits Act states that, “No person or organization shall knowingly furnish any false or misleading information ... in any application for a permit … or for the purpose of procuring its issue or grant or in connection with any subsequent use of the permit … or the exportation, importation, brokering, transfer or disposition of goods or technology to which it relates.” (Section 17).

Due to the nature of brokering activities, ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ understands that not all information may be known by the broker at the time of application. As a result, applicants are requested to complete the application form to the best of their ability. Applicants should try to include as much information as possible. Should too much information be missing, brokering permit applications may not be processed and may be returned without action by the Export Controls Division. Information entered on the brokering permit application must be consistent with information entered on other permit applications (for instance: export permit forms from other governments).

E.6.1. NEXCOL Field: Applicant screen

The Applicant of record on a brokering permit application is the Broker. The applicant must provide some information on their nature (person vs. organization) and, if a natural person, all their citizenships. In addition, applicants must also disclose their name, address, telephone number, email address and any facsimile number. If the applicant is an organization, a contact name and telephone number must also be provided.

In contrast with the export permit process, a brokering permit application does not have a Canadian residency requirement (please refer to section 7.1 (1) of the Export and Import Permit Act. This means that any persons in Canada or Canadians operating abroad undertaking brokering activities must be compliant with Canada’s brokering regulations. This includes Canadians in Canada or abroad, non-Canadians in Canada (i.e. visitors), and Canadian organizations that operate in Canada and abroad.

If the Applicant is a Canadian business (defined as: a business that is incorporated, formed or otherwise organized under the laws of Canada or a province), the Applicant must hold a resident Business Number (formerly known as a GST Number) issued by the . A Business Number is not necessary for an application by an individual. The Applicant must hold an EIPA Number issued by ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ (application forms are available on the internet at www.exportcontrols.gc.ca) before the brokering permit application can be processed. Brokering permit applications submitted online through NEXCOL by businesses or individuals that do not already have an EIPA Number or leave this field blank on their brokering permit application will be contacted by the export controls division and be assigned one once the applicant have submitted a completed EIPA registration form.

Please note that Canadian telephone numbers should be separated by a dash (e.g., 613-996-2387).

Responsibility of the applicant/broker

Accurate and complete information about the foreign parties involved in the brokering of goods and technology from one third country to another third country is essential to the Export Controls Division’s review of an application. Verification of the legitimacy of the foreign parties to the transaction is one of the factors used to determine whether the proposed transaction is consistent with Canada’s foreign and defence policies.

Such verification is also a responsibility of the applicant. It is expected that brokers of controlled goods and technology will make appropriate enquiries as to the intended end-use of the items to be brokered and to fully declare this end-use when making an application. Furthermore, any relevant information pertaining to the proposed brokering transaction should also be disclosed in the application (see Box 8 - “Evaluating Foreign Clients” for more information). In other words, an applicant/broker should exercise due diligence and know who the foreign parties are, including the end-users.

E.6.2. NEXCOL Field: Seller information

The name of any sellers must be listed on the brokering permit application along with the address, telephone number, email address and any facsimile number. If the seller is an organization, a contact name and telephone number must also be provided. The location of goods must also be provided.

E.6.3. NEXCOL Field: Purchaser information

The name of any purchasers must be listed on the brokering permit application along with the address, telephone number, email address and any facsimile number. If the purchaser is an organization, a contact name and telephone number must also be provided.

E.6.4. NEXCOL Field: Intermediaries and Consignees (i.e. Intermediate entities with an active involvement in the brokering transaction. Including agents, mandataries or other brokers)

The names of any agents, mandataries or other brokers involved in the brokering transaction must be listed as intermediaries on the brokering permit application along with their contact information (address, telephone number, email address and facsimile number). In some cases, there may be multiple intermediaries involved in the brokering transaction as representatives or agents acting on behalf of separate buyers. In a brokering transactions the three main parties are: the broker (applicant) who will be involved in negotiations with a foreign business (Seller) who is the legal owner of the goods being tendered for sale and another foreign business (purchaser/End-user). Anyone else involved in this brokering transaction is an intermediary (i.e. the broker may be dealing through the Seller’s agent or broker rather than with the Seller directly); the broker may be in the same situation with agents or representatives of the purchaser or multiple purchasers working through their own broker.

The term “intermediary” refers to the party or parties involved in the transaction but are not the Applicant, Seller or Purchaser of the goods. The Consignee is considered to be the purchaser or end-user of the goods being tendered for export. Applicants may submit permit applications with multiple Consignees, if applicable. Applicants must provide the name and contact information of all known persons of entities involved in the brokering transaction.

Example 1

ABC Brokers is a Canadian military brokering organization and represents Tanks Inc., which makes and sells tanks. In its dealings with another brokering company, Military Hardware Inc., ABC Brokers has identified an opportunity to sell these tanks. Military Hardware Inc. is representing the Government of Germany in this matter. Due to its role as a broker in this proposed transaction, ABC Brokers applies for a brokering permit. Its application for a brokering permit would indicate that:

ABC Brokers would be the applicant;

Tanks Inc. would be the seller;

Military Hardware Inc. would be another broker, who would be noted as a consignee; and,

The Government of Germany would be the Purchaser, Consignee and end-user of the tanks.

Example 2

CDN Brokers’ business expands and now has more clients. CDN Brokers now represents Bumblebee Aircraft and Megacraft Inc. Both are United Kingdom based companies. At a trade show abroad, representatives from CDN Brokers meet with other foreign brokers, each representing a different foreign military. Broker A is representing the Australian Ministry of Defence; Broker B is representing the Sri Lankan Air force and Broker C is representing the Thai Navy.

All three foreign brokers are interested in the goods on offer from either Bumblebee Aircraft or Megacraft Inc. and wish to begin negotiations for purchase. CDN Brokers would then apply for a brokering permit that would state the following:

CDN Brokers would be the applicant;

Bumblebee Aircraft and Megacraft Inc. would be listed on the permit as two separate sellers on the same permit;

Brokers A, B and C could be listed as separate intermediaries on the same permit; and,

The Government entity could be listed as three separate purchasers/consignees on the same permit as they would be the end-users of the goods.

Alternatively, CDN Brokers may also apply for three separate brokering permits, one for each purchaser.

Box 8: Evaluating Foreign Clients

The following questions are meant to assist brokers to evaluate the legitimacy and credibility of foreign suppliers who wish to dispose of goods or technology controlled under the Export and Import Permits Act and foreign customers who wish to acquire such goods or technology. If answers to the following questions raise suspicions about potential foreign sellers and purchasers, brokers will need to provide any known concerns or ambiguities in their brokering permit application in the NEXCOL field "Overall Description of Goods and End-Use" or in a covering letter included with their supporting documentation.

  • How well do you know the foreign seller or purchaser? Is it difficult to obtain information about that company or entity?
  • Is the seller reluctant to provide information on how they acquired or manufactured the goods? Does the product fit with the seller’s business or professional profile?
  • Is the customer reluctant to provide an end-use assurance document or is information not forthcoming in comparison to past experiences with other customers? Does the product fit the customer’s business profile?
  • If you have done business with the seller or purchaser before, is this a usual request for him/her to make?
  • Does the seller or purchaser seem familiar with the product type and its performance characteristics or is there an obvious lack of technical knowledge?
  • Does the seller offer customary installation, training or maintenance services that might be expected for the goods or technology?
  • Does the purchaser reject the customary installation, training, or maintenance services provided?
  • Is unusual packaging and labelling required?
  • Is the shipping route unusual?
  • Is the seller offering an excessive amount of spare parts or other items that are related to the product, but not related to the stated end-use?
  • Is the purchaser ordering an excessive amount of spare parts or other items that are related to the product, but not related to the stated end-use?
  • Is the seller offering unusually profitable payment terms, such as a much higher price than normal? Is the supplier wanting to be paid in cash?
  • Is the purchaser offering unusually profitable payment terms, such as a much higher price than normal? Is the purchaser offering to pay in cash?
  • Is the purchaser or the consignee tied to the military or the defence industry, or to any military or governmental research body?

Evaluating other brokers, agents, or mandataries

  • How well do you know other brokers, agents or mandatories involved in the proposed transaction?
  • Do they seem open about their professional activities?
  • How difficult is it to find public information about them? What does that information reveal?
  • How did they come to represent their current client? Are they willing to discuss this and other professional activities?
  • Do they seem singularly focused on the proposed transaction, with little concern for future business opportunities?
  • Do they want to be paid in cash only?
  • Do they have a professional reputation? What does this reputation suggest?

A foreign manufacturer that uses brokered goods (such as components, assemblies, etc.) or technology to produce or develop new products, or which integrates them into new products, is the end-user of the brokered goods or technology. Subsequently, the new products may be sold by the foreign manufacturer to a third party.

In cases where an intermediary resells or distributes the goods or technology (in their original form, as they were purchased through the broker), the intermediary is not considered to be the end-user. In this case, the end-user would be the third party who will acquire the brokered goods or technology.

If the roles of the parties are uncertain, applicants should provide sufficient information about the transaction for the Export Controls Division to make a determination, including copies of contracts and invoices.

For the purpose of brokering permit applications, consignees are located outside Canada. Brokering permit applications that list a Canadian consignee address cannot be processed and will be returned without action.

When entering telephone and fax numbers, applicants should separate country and area codes by using a dash between each set of numbers (e.g., 1-613-996-2387). Applicants should verify all consignee contact information (including telephone and fax numbers, e-mail addresses, and websites). Information that is found to be incomplete or inaccurate may result in the return of the brokering permit application without action unless a clear justification is provided.

E.6.5. NEXCOL Field: Nature of Items

This screen requires applicants to describe the items by answering a set of questions about the items. These questions aim to clarify the type of items and the function they will serve. For instance, there are questions about whether the items have a military use, a cryptographic function, and whether the items will be integrated to other equipment. Applicants are required to select the appropriate answers to the questions and provide rationales through the text boxes for each question. This will allow officials a better understanding of the proposed transaction.

E.6.6. NEXCOL Field: Items

This field is used by the applicant/broker to share data with their permit officer. It is used to provide details/clarification on the goods and their end-useFootnote 24.

The broker should provide general information about the proposed brokering transaction in this field, including the following (as applicable):

E.6.6.1. NEXCOL Field: Applicant/Broker comments

As illustrated below, in this field the applicant may, if available and desired, include additional comments which are relevant and which may help understand the application, such as:

Where the above listed information is provided in the “Applicant/Broker Comment”, a separate cover letter need not be submitted. Applicants are encouraged to provide all information possible. In complicated transactions, the Applicant may provide a cover letter clearly detailing the relevant information in order for the Export Controls Division to fully understand and assess the proposed brokering transaction.

E.6.6.2. NEXCOL Field: Overall Description of items & end-use

Found in the Items screen, the “Overall Description of items and end-use” field is one of the most important fields of the brokering permit application as it defines the parameters and limitations of the permit.

The Overall Description of items and end-use provides the information to identify the goods or technology on the brokering permit. Brokers must ensure that item descriptions declared on the brokering permit is consistent with that found in any other applications for authorizations that are submitted (for instance: in the export or import permits of other governments).

You should limit your item description to the following three points:

  1. The name of the item – The name should clearly identify the item like a picture would do; don’t use internal specialized company jargon, use laymen’s terms that licensing and customs officials can understand;
  2. The identification number – Provide a model or part number making sure that it is both on the documents and on the item; don’t put a list of numbers, keep it short;
  3. What is it used for or part of - The third line of the item description (see below) may be used to include details helping the reviewers to better understand the nature of the goods being brokered (e.g. items to be incorporated in a civilian aircraft XX324).

Item Descriptions that do not follow this format will be returned without action.

Do not include references to the Brokering Control List and Export Control List, as these questions are asked elsewhere in the Items screen. Do not include sales or purchase order numbers or information that the sale was made in another foreign currency (e.g. that the sale was in U.S. dollars). This information can be placed in the “Applicant/Broker Comments” field.

When brokering complete systems or items such as aircraft, aircraft simulator or vehicle, the same approach may be taken. A single line item description may be used to describe the item, for example, “Ford 2001, F-350 Super Duty Truck”. However, if the item will be disassembled for shipment into several major components, these components should be clearly reflected in the line item description. For example, a disassembled car might be described as follows: “disassembled Ford 2001, F-350 Super Duty Truck, components include 5.4 L V8 engine block, Chassis, body.”

When brokering spare parts for a complex item, brokers should use several lines to reflect the main systems. For example, a helicopter might be broken down by the following systems: Fuselage, Wings, Flight Controls, Avionics, Engines, Hydraulics system. Each line item description should include a high-level list of the types of items that would be brokered under each of these systems. “Lot” may be used instead of specific quantities when grouping these types of exports.

E.6.6.3. Kits

A kit is a collection of goods that are sold together as a defined product (as opposed to a collection of spare parts put together for a specific customer).

When brokering "Kits" that contain a mixture of articles, the description line should include the kit name, a high level list of the items which are included in the kit, and an identifying number if available.

E.6.6.4. Product Components

Similarly, when brokering spare parts for a product, the description line should include a list of the types of components that will be brokered and the name of the final product for which they are intended (see line 2 in example provided below).

E.6.6.5. Intangibles

The Brokering Control and Export Control List cover both physical shipments of controlled goods, as well as technology and/or transfers of controlled software or technology by intangible means. Item descriptions for items brokered through intangible means need to describe the goods or technology being brokered and provide information about the method of transfer (see also Box 9 – Brokering by Intangible Means).

Box 9: Brokering by Intangible Means

Certain types of products lend themselves to brokering by intangible means, such as: software and source code, services, and other technology. Brokering by intangible means may occur if there is a transfer of such technology from one foreign country to another foreign country. The following is an illustrative and non-comprehensive list of actions that may result in brokering by intangible means:

  • facilitation of services or training
  • arranging downloads or other electronic file transfers
  • file sharing
  • cloud access
  • e-mails
  • faxes
  • telephone conversations
  • teleconference
  • face-to-face meetings

How to apply for brokering permits for brokering by intangible means

Transfers by intangible means of items such as software or technology that is subject to brokering controls must be authorized by a brokering permit. When applying for brokering permits that include the movement of controlled software or technology by intangible means, the applicant should indicate the product that will be moved by intangible means on a separate line on the brokering permit application. The brokering permit application line description for items which will be moved by intangible means should include the following elements:

  • What is it? e.g., what is the brand and product name? Is it technical data, technical assistance, information, etc.? – a brief description is necessary in this field.
  • What is the purpose of the movement of this technology? e.g., for the development or production or use of a product or article whose brokering is controlled through the Brokering Control List and Export Control List? What is the name of the project under development for which purpose the technology will be brokered or moved?
  • In what form will the technology be moved? e.g.:
    • Technical data: blueprints, formulae, plans, models, engineering designs and specifications, manuals, instructions, etc.
    • Technical assistance: instruction, skills development, working knowledge, consulting services, training, etc.
    • Software (you should clearly define the item being moved): executable code, source code, version number, etc. (see section E? for other examples)
    • Services: such as training, consulting, troubleshooting, or instruction – the brokering of services by intangible means are often linked to physical goods. This link or relationship should be clearly stated in the item description (see fictional examples below). Brokering a movement of controlled items by intangible means should be covered on a separate brokering permit application line.
  • How will the product be moved? e.g., electronic file transfers, fax, in-situ training seminars, “help desk” advice, telephone discussions or negotiations?

Line item descriptions should not contain Export Control List or Brokering Control List numbers or make reference to documents or statements attached or mentioned elsewhere. The line item description entered on the brokering permit application should stand alone as a description of the export by intangible means, identifying the item being brokered.

Line item descriptions allow the establishment of clear and appropriate parameters which effectively define the proposed brokering transaction and support its monitoring. A proper line item description avoids potential confusion for all parties involved in the brokering process.

Fictional examples of acceptable item descriptions would be:

  • Operation and maintenance manuals and diagrams for the use of X35 Transmitters in the Acme military communications satellite program to be moved by downloads from a secure website, hosted in Brazil.
  • Technical and engineering services and manuals for overhaul of the N40 jet engine to be directly provided by broker’s employees, based in Indonesia.
  • Source code sharing for international co-development of ABC operating system.
  • Executable software upgrade downloads for previously exported training simulators, model XYZ (originally exported under export permit number xxx).

Due to the nature of technology and the ability to move intangibles in different forms (e.g., in a physical form or by electronic means), brokers may, when necessary, request quantities as “lots” when applying for a brokering permit. Total value entered on such applications should reflect the total value of the supply contract over the life of the brokering permit. In some cases, a condition of using the brokering permit may be that reports of actual shipments of the products authorized for movement must be submitted at regular intervals. In cases where the unit of measure used is “Lot”, brokers may report a share of the total value of the “Lot” moved in the relevant period.

Compliance and records

Brokers of controlled goods and technology are obliged by law to maintain for a period of six years all records with respect to the movement of controlled items made under the authority of brokering permits issued under the EIPA. This record-keeping obligation applies equally to movement of controlled items by intangible means.

Responsible brokers should ensure that all business units conform to enterprise-wide policies and procedures on brokering controls compliance.

E.6.6.6. NEXCOL Field: Item Type (including quantity and value)

E.6.6.7. Quantity

Select one item type: “quantity”, “lot” or “no commercial value” and provide the corresponding information for the selection.

If a unit of measure is used, it should be stated in the item Description. This typically occurs in the case of bulk shipments. For example, to describe a brokering transaction of 10 litres of XXXX, the applicant would state "10" in the quantity field and include a description of: "XXXX (quantity stated in litres)".

“No Commercial Value” is used when there is a positive quantity but a dollar value of zero (used, for example, when goods are being brokered under warranty).

“Lot” should be chosen for “bulk goods” or when the goods described on a single line cannot be easily quantified but they have a positive dollar value for the purpose of the application. Lots are commonly used with the movement of information that may be transferred in different intangible forms (such as in meetings and electronic downloads).

“Lot” may also be chosen for zero valued transactions, as in the movement of information through intangible means (e.g. updates and patches to previously exported software). In this case, a nominal value of $1.00 or less may be indicated in the “Total Value” field, as the system requires that a value be indicated when choosing “Lot”.

If repairs are anticipated over the duration of the permit, brokers may add additional lines to cover those potential repairs on their initial permit application.

The example below illustrates how to structure a permit to cover anticipated repairs. In this example, the applicant has requested to broker 100 widgets. Based on historical sales, the broker estimates that for every 100 widgets sold, 25% of the units will be shipped back for repair. Line 2 reflects the number of goods to be repaired under warranty. If a warranty plan will not cover all repairs, a third line item can be added to cover anticipated repairs with a fee. By using this approach, brokers do not have to apply for a new permit if their product is returned for repair during the validity period of their permit.

E.6.6.8. Value

Value must be expressed in Canadian dollars and should represent the invoice or sale price paid by the foreign customer (see Box 10 below on how to account for exchange rate fluctuations if the sale price is denominated in another currency). If the exact unit value is not known at the time that the application is submitted, it should be estimated.

Brokers should ensure that the actual value that will be declared at the time of the transfer does not exceed the estimate declared on the brokering permit.

For a brokering transaction in which the goods or technology will be moved to another country, the value should reflect the full sale price.

For goods to be brokered to a country for repairs, and then returned to the starting country, the value should reflect only the cost of repairs.

Brokering transactions that exceed those defined on the brokering permit in value or quantity may constitute a violation of the Export and Import Permits Act. If the value of goods or technology increases between the time the application was made and the date of the brokering transaction, a Permit Amendment Request should be submitted to change the permit prior to the transfer.

Box 10: Exchange Rate Fluctuations

The value of a brokering transaction authorized by a brokering permit may not exceed the value stated on the permit. Since this value is stated in Canadian dollars, when sales are denominated in another currency, exchange rate changes may cause the value of the brokered goods or technology to exceed the value stated on the permit, even though the goods or technology being exported are otherwise as described on the permit.

This problem may be more acute in the case of permits that are valid for several years. This problem is particularly important when brokers are required to submit periodic reports under the authority of a brokering permit.

To avoid this problem, applicants are encouraged to use an estimated rate of exchange (up to 15% above the actual rate) that offsets potential currency fluctuations. The exchange rate used should be identified in the “Broker/Applicants Comments” field of the permit application (for example, "Sales are made in U.S. dollars. Exchange rate used here is $1.35 Canadian = $1 U.S.").

When the exchange rate fluctuates outside this range, brokers must submit a Permit Amendment Request to change the unit value reflected on the permit prior to shipment in order to ensure that the Canadian dollar value of a brokering transaction authorized by a permit does not exceed the value stated on the permit. The applicant should attach a statement that notes the exchange rate at the time of the original application and the prevailing exchange rate at the time of the amendment request.

E.6.7. NEXCOL Field: Items destined to a Weapons of Mass Destruction end-use

Specify whether the items are likely to be used in a Weapons of Mass Destruction end use under Brokering Control List 1(b) if the properties of the item or any information made known to a the broker would lead a reasonable person to suspect that they will be used in the development, production, handling, operation, maintenance, storage, detection, identification or dissemination of a weapons of mass destruction end-use, or 1(c) if contacted by the Department to apply for a brokering permit to determine if the item is likely destined to a Weapons of Mass Destruction end-use. Appropriate supporting documentation should be attached to the application. Otherwise leave blank.

E.6.8. NEXCOL Field: Brokering Control List Summary

Using the latest version of the Brokering Control List, and the Export Control List as published in the GuideFootnote 25, identify the Brokering Control List and Export Control List Item numbers which describes the goods or technology proposed for brokering. See section C for information on determining the Export Control List Item Number.

E.7. Mandatory Supporting Documentation

Supporting documentation is an important part of the application. Brokers should submit at least one technical document and an end-use assurance document to supplement the completed brokering permit application form. Additional documents (such as cover letters, purchase order or contracts) may be added to further support the brokering application.

Electronic documents (including scans of paper copies) should be attached to brokering permit applications made on-line using the NEXCOL system. As indicated in the example below, Applicants are requested to separate different documents for ease of reference at different stages of the review process.

E.7.1. Technical description of the goods or technology

The Export Controls Division undertakes a technical assessment of the goods, services, and technology listed in the brokering permit application to determine under which Export Control List Item(s) they fall. For this purpose, technical specifications of the brokering transaction must be detailed and must adequately describe the characteristics of the goods, services and technology. Enough details must be provided to establish the true nature of the items. These could be provided in the form of drawings, data sheets, manuals, component lists, block diagrams, exploded view drawings, and so on. Marketing brochures may also provide useful additional information. The information that is submitted should make clear the type and function of the goods or technology and provide key technical parameters. Should this information not be available, applicants are required to offer a strong explanation.

Failure to provide technical specifications for the items may delay the processing of your brokering permit application, or result in it being returned to you without action.

E.7.2. End-Use Assurances

There are several types of end-use assurance documents. The provision of end-use assurances does not in any way imply that a brokering permit will be issued. All brokering permit applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and on their own merits.

Brokers should submit at least one end-use assurance document (when available) with their brokering permit application and are encouraged to include several such documents, as available. This will ensure that the Export Controls Division has a clear understanding of the proposed brokering transaction and will help to expedite the review process.

E.7.2.1. End-Use Certificates

An End-Use Certificate is issued by the government of the final destination country and should be attached to the Canadian brokering permit application. An End-Use Certificate:

Brokers should submit at least one end-use assurance document (when available) with their brokering permit application and are encouraged to include several such documents, as available.

E.7.2.2. End-Use Statements

If an official document from the final destination government is not available, an End-Use Statement from the consignee is generally acceptable (see Section E.6.4 for more information on consignees and end-users).

Brokers should submit at least one end-use assurance document (when available) with their brokering permit application and are encouraged to include several such documents, as available.

In certain cases, the applicant may be requested to provide a statement or statements from parties other than the end-user (e.g., in certain cases when the consignee is not the end-user).

An End-Use Statement must be dated and written on company letterhead in either English or French and should:

E.7.2.3. International Import Certificates

An International Import Certificate may be issued to the end-user by the government of the final destination country. It states the items (including quantities and values) which will be imported and provides governments with an assurance that the goods will not be diverted to illegitimate end-users. The Canadian broker must attach any available International Import Certificate to the permit application and submit it to the Export Controls Division within the validity period (usually 6 months) of the International Import Certificate.

E.7.2.4. Import Licences

If an Import Licence is required, the end-user must obtain it, and if available provide a copy to the Canadian broker, who must then attach the copy of the Import Licence to the brokering permit application.

E.7.2.5. Informal End-Use Assurance Documents

Applicants are encouraged to attach the documents described below to their brokering permit applications, in addition to formal end-use assurances. These will ensure that the Export Controls Division has a clear understanding of the proposed brokering transaction and will help to expedite the review process. However, provision of such information is optional unless specified by the Export Controls Division. The following documents may be provided:

At the discretion of the Export Controls Division, applicants may substitute one or more of the alternative, informal, end-use assurance documents listed below for the formal end-use assurances described above. These informal end-use documents support the applicant’s statements about the destination, consignees, and end-use of the goods or technology proposed for to be brokered:

Applicants will need to provide their rationale and/or justification in a cover letter (or under the broker’s comments in NEXCOL), in order to have these informal end-use assurance documents taken into consideration by the Export Controls Division.

E.7.2.6. End-Use Assurance for Firearms, Components, Ammunition and Explosives

Brokering permits for firearms, firearm components and ammunition may not be issued unless the broker provides an import licence or other proof that the items will legally enter the country of destination. To meet the requirements of the Organization of American States’ Convention on Firearms, Explosives and Related Material, proof of a transit authorization may be required if the items are transiting a third country.

E.7.2.7. Delivery Verification Certificates

A Delivery Verification Certificate is typically issued to the consignee by the government of the country to which the item has been imported and provides official confirmation that the goods have been delivered in accordance with the terms of the Canadian brokering permit and/or the foreign-issued International Import Certificate or Import authorization. In some cases, Canadian brokers are required to obtain and submit to the Export Controls Division applicable Delivery Verification Certificates as a condition of their brokering permit.

E.8. Brokering Permit Validity

The validity period of a brokering permit varies depending on the items to be brokered and the nature of the transaction. Brokering permits will have a maximum validity of up to 5 years. For electronic applications submitted in NEXCOL (as illustrated below), Applicants may select a permit expiry date which suits their brokering requirements and which conforms with the guidelines set out in the following subsections. Requests for permits that exceed a validity period of 2 years are assessed on a case-by-case basis and are granted at the discretion of the Export Controls Division.

For paper applications, Applicants should state in the “Overall Description of Goods and End-Use” field of the application (see section E.6.6.2) or in a cover letter if it is known when the brokering is expected to be completed or if the brokering permit will be required for a specific duration.

It is strongly suggested that applicants request a validity period which is consistent to the actual needs of the proposed brokering transaction.

Unless otherwise stated, a brokering permit may authorize multiple shipments, as long as the cumulative total of the quantity or value of items exported does not exceed the quantity or value stated on the permit.

The validity period of brokering permits may be amended after issuance (see section G.3).

Permits for brokering transactions have validity periods according to the following guidelines. These guidelines are based on the fact that the groups below originate in the Export Control List, but are controlled for brokering because of their inclusion on the Brokering Control List.

E.8.1. Group 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 with a weapons of mass destruction end-use

Standard – up to 1 year.

E.8.2. Groups 2 and 9

Standard – up to 3 years.

F. Other Important Information

F.1. Processing Time (Service Standards)

From the date a complete permit application is received, every effort is made to process an application within a reasonable time frame. The following service standards apply:

For Export Permits:

For Import Permits:

For Multiple Destination Permits:

For Permit Amendment Requests:

For Brokering Permits:

For International Import Certificates:

For Delivery Verification Certificates:

For Destinations subject to Sanctions:

Incomplete or deficient export or brokering permit applications (for instance those without supporting documentation, or those with missing and/or contradictory information) will be returned to the applicant without action.

F.2. Status Enquiries, Withdrawals and Cancellations

Applicants may obtain information regarding the processing of permit and certificate applications by contacting the Export Controls Division by telephone at (343) 203-4331 or by email to tie.reception@international.gc.ca and citing the Ref ID number generated by NEXCOL. Applicants should allow at least 10 business days from the time of submission of an export permit application before enquiring as to its status.

If it is determined that the items proposed for export or brokering are not controlled or that a permit is not required, the applicant will be notified in writing and the application will be closed.

If the Applicant determines that the permit is no longer required, he or she may request that the application be withdrawn before issuance, or that the permit be cancelled if it has already been issued.

Withdrawal and cancellation requests must cite the permit or certificate number, or the reference ID number, and must be submitted in writing to the Export Controls Division at tie.reception@international.gc.ca .

F.3. Internal Review Process

Each permit application is reviewed for consistency with Canada’s regulations and laws, international obligations, and foreign, defence and national security policies. Particular attention is given to the nature of the item, the country of destination, the purpose and intended use of the item, the record and behaviour of the stated consignee(s) and/or end-users of the item, and the possibility of unauthorized diversion.

Table X sets out the assessment considerations that are taken into account, including mandatory criteria as set out in the Export and Import Permits Act.

The Minister shall not issue an export or brokering permit if, after taking into account all relevant considerations, including available mitigating measures, he or she determines that there is a substantial risk that the proposed transaction would result in any of the negative consequences referred to in the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) assessment criteria.

Table X. Export Permit Assessment Considerations

  1. Canada’s legislation, regulations and policies about certain country destinations:
    1. Area Control List (ACL): The export or transfer of any goods or technology (including technical data, technical assistance and information necessary for the development, production or use of a good) to countries on the ACL is controlled and must be authorized by an export permit issued by the Minister under the authority of the Export and Import Permits Act;
    2. Automatic Firearms Country Control List (AFCCL): Certain prohibited firearms, weapons, devices, or components thereof that are included on the Export Control List may be exported only to destinations on the AFCCL and only to consignees that are government or authorized by government;
    3. Economic sanctions, arms bans and related measures: Sanctions imposed by Canada can encompass a variety of measures, including restricting or prohibiting the transfer of any goods and technology to certain countries, organizations, or individuals. While the United Nations Act, the Special Economic Measures Act and the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act are the primary laws by which Canada prohibits dealings with foreign countries, individuals or entities, other Canadian laws, regulations and policies may also restrict or impose limits on transfers.
  2. International obligations:
    1. Canada shall not authorize any transfer if the transfer would violate Canada’s obligations under measures adopted by the United Nations Security Council acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations , in particular arms embargoes.
    2. Canada shall not authorize any transfer if the transfer would violate Canada’s international obligations under international agreements to which Canada is party.
    3. Canada shall not authorize any transfer if Canada has knowledge at the time of authorization that the arms or items would be used in the commission of genocide, crimes against humanity, grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions of 1949, attacks directed against civilian objects or civilians protected as such, or other war crimes as defined by international agreements to which Canada is a party.
  3. National security: In deciding whether to issue a permit the Minister may take into consideration whether the proposed export may be used for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of Canada by being used to do anything referred to in paragraphs 3(1)(a) to (n) of the Security of Information Act.
  4. Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) assessment criteria: In deciding whether to issue a permit in respect of arms, ammunition, implements or munitions of war, the Minister shall take into consideration whether the proposed export:
    1. would contribute to peace and security or undermine it; and
    2. could be used to commit or facilitate:
      1. a serious violation of international humanitarian law,
      2. a serious violation of international human rights law,
      3. an act constituting an offence under international conventions or protocols relating to terrorism to which Canada is a party,
      4. an act constituting an offence under international conventions or protocols relating to transnational organized crime to which Canada is a party, or
      5. serious acts of gender-based violence or serious acts of violence against women and children.
  5. Substantial risk test: The Minister shall not authorize any transfer if, after considering available mitigating measures, he or she determines that there is a substantial risk that the proposed export would result in any of the negative consequences referred to in the ATT assessment criteria.

 

F.4. Consultations

The Export Controls Division may consult with experts within ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ and in other Canadian government departments and agencies in order to fully assess the risks associated with a proposed export.

The following are examples of key considerations assessed during the consultation process:

  1. Is the nature and quantity of the proposed export consistent with the stated end/use and end/user?
  2. Is the stated end/use credible in light of the end-user’s business?
  3. Is there a strong likelihood that the proposed export may be diverted from its stated end-use or end-user?
  4. Does the proposed end-use, regardless of end-user, pose a threat to Canada, Canadians or Canada’s allies?
  5. Is the export consistent with overall Canadian foreign and trade policy priorities and objectives for the country or region concerned?
  6. Is the destination country experiencing armed conflict, internal or regional tension, aggression by a neighbouring country, political repression or instability, and would the proposed transaction have a substantial (positive and/or negative) impact on the overall situation?
  7. Would the proposed export introduce a new capability into a regional or internal conflict, and would this exacerbate or contribute to resolving the situation?
  8. Are any of the parties named in the application associated with or known to have a history of illicit procurement or diversion of controlled goods or technology?
  9. Are any of the parties identified in the permit application known to have a persistent record of serious violations of human rights or international humanitarian law?
  10. Is there substantiated information to indicate that the same or similar items have been, or may be, used by any of the parties identified in the permit application commit serious human rights violations?
  11. Are the goods or technology proposed for export likely to be used to commit or facilitate an act constituting an offence under the international conventions or protocols relating to terrorism or transnational organized crime to which Canada is a party?
  12. Do any of the parties identified in the permit application have a record of committing serious violations of the human rights of women, children or vulnerable groups?
  13. Is there substantiated information to indicate that the goods or technologies proposed for export, or similar goods or technologies, have been, or may be, used to commit serious acts of violence against women, children or vulnerable groups in the destination country?

F.5. General Export Permits and General Brokering Permits

General Export Permits:

General Export Permits (GEPs) are, by order, issued generally to all residents of Canada by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. General Export Permits allow the export of certain items from Canada to certain eligible destinations by means of a simplified administrative procedure as opposed to the standard procedure of having to obtain an individual export permit.

When exporting items listed on the Export Control List where a General Export Permit applies, the exporter must abide by all the associated terms and conditions of the GEP, which can vary from regulation to regulation. However, in most cases, the exporter must cite the appropriate General Export Permit number in the relevant box on the appropriate form prescribed by the Canada Border Services Agency (see section H). In some cases, the use of a General Export Permit is conditional upon an exporter undertaking to report on actual volumes of exports or on specific consignees made against the General Export Permit.

The following General Export Permits require exporters to inform the Export Controls Division in writing and on an annual basis, of their intention to utilize the General Export Permit:

These GEPs require a detailed report of exports made as a condition for their use.

The complete list of is available on the internet.

General Brokering Permits:

General Brokering Permits (GBPs) are, by order, issued generally to all persons and organizations by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. General Brokering Permits allow the brokering of items subject to the terms and conditions specified in the permit, by means of a simplified administrative procedure as opposed to the standard procedure of having to obtain an individual brokering permit.

General Brokering Permit No.1 is currently the only GBP in force. It may be used in two situations:

Before brokering items under GBP 1, brokers must:

F.6. Multiple Destination Permits

A multiple destination permit (also referred to as “multi-destination permit” or MDP) is an alternative to a single destination permit (which specify consignees in a single country). This type of permit allows exports to multiple destination countries without consignees being specified in the application.

MDPs allow exporters greater flexibility than individual permits, but also impose specific terms and conditions, in particular, the requirement to submit export reports at regular, defined intervals. MDPs are offered to exporters who have established an exporting history with the Export Controls Division and have implemented defined processes and procedures when planning, marketing and shipping items included in the Export Control List to foreign clients to ensure a reasonable level of assurance (due diligence) that goods or technology will not be exported to unauthorized or illegitimate end-uses or end-users.

MDPs are available for Dual-Use Items (Group 1 and in Item 5504 of the Export Control List);Footnote 26 for Cryptographic Items (Group 1, Category 5, Part 2 of the Export Control List);Footnote 27 and for some Munitions List Items (Group 2 of the Export Control List).

In order to apply for an MDP, exporters must first contact the Export Controls Division and become a recognized user of NEXCOL. Exporters should contact their assigned Permit Officer to discuss further options and/or how to apply for a MDP.

F.7. Procedure for exporting parts for use in Aircraft on the Ground (AOG)

Where spare parts must be exported to support or service a civilian/commercial aircraft stranded in a foreign country, an expedited process will be adopted to meet the exporter’s or broker’s requirements. A complete permit application will be processed within three (3) business days (sensitive destinations such as sanctioned or ACL countries may take longer).

Exporters must ensure that the following information is provided:

F.8. Controlled Goods Program

The Controlled Goods Program, managed by the Controlled Goods Directorate of Public Works and Government Services Canada, was established in 2001 to administer the Defence Production Act and the Controlled Goods Regulations. Generally speaking, companies or persons having access to or who possess, examine, or transfer "controlled goods" as defined in the Schedule to the Defence Production Act, including related technology, within Canada, must be registered with the Controlled Goods Directorate. If an exporter is not registered and wishes to export items subject to control under the Controlled Goods Program, an export permit cannot be issued until there is evidence that the exporter has registered (unless proof is provided that a Controlled Goods Directorate exemption applies).

For information on the Controlled Goods Program, please refer to:

Controlled Goods Directorate (CGD)
Public Works and Government Services Canada
c/o Central Mail Room
Place du Portage, Phase III OB3
11 Laurier Street, Gatineau, Quebec, K1A 0S5
(Visitors go to: 2745 Iris Street, Ottawa, Ontario)
Telephone: 1 (866) 368-4646 (toll-free)
Fax: (613) 948-1722

F.9. Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

In addition to export controls imposed under the Export and Import Permits Act, the exports of nuclear and nuclear-related items are also controlled by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act and Regulations. Therefore, certain exports of Export Control List Groups 3 and 4 items also require licences from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. There are also nuclear and nuclear-related items not listed in the Guide that are controlled under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act and Regulations and require licences from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission prior to exportation. Information on the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s export licensing requirements may be obtained by contacting:

Office of International Affairs
Non-Proliferation, Safeguards and Security Division
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
280 Slater Street
P.O. Box 1046, Station B
Ottawa, ON K1P 5S9
Telephone: (613) 995-0369 or 1 (800) 668-5284
Fax: (613) 995-5086

Exports of Group 3 and 4 items that are also subject to control under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act can only occur when export authorizations are obtained from both the Export Controls Division and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

It should be noted that as export permits are processed separately by two licensing authorities, exporters must liaise with both departments separately.

F.10. Canadian National Authority for the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)

The Canadian National Authority for the Chemical Weapons Convention is responsible for the collection and monitoring of Canadian data relating to the import and export of items identified in Schedules 1, 2 and 3 of the Chemical Weapons Convention which correspond to item 74 of the Import Control List, Chemicals and Precursors, and item 7-3 of the Export Control List. For further information, please contact the Canadian National Authority at 343-203-3183. Information about the Import Control List is available on the internet.

F.11. Natural Resources Canada (Explosives Regulatory Division)

The export of many types of explosives are also controlled by Natural Resources Canada (Explosives Regulatory Division) under the Explosives Act and regulations. Therefore, the export of certain items on the Export Control List also requires licences from the Explosives Regulatory Division. Information on the Explosives Regulatory Division export licensing requirements may be obtained by contacting:

580 Booth Street, 10th Floor
Ottawa, ON K1A 0E4
Tel: 613-948-5200
Fax: 613-948-5195
E-mail

F.12. Other Government Departments

It is possible that export authorizations may be required from other government departments or entities for other goods. These entities include, but are not limited to: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Canadian Wheat Board, Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Health Canada, Heritage Canada, and Natural Resources Canada. Exporters may obtain information relating to such controls by contacting the appropriate department or agency.

G. After Issuance of an Export Permit: Compliance with Export Controls

It is the responsibility of exporters and brokers to ensure that they are aware of and comply with Canadian export controls.

G.1. Permit Issuance and Distribution

Once issued, export and brokering permits are sent to the applicant depending on the selected method of distribution, including by email, courier or surface mail. Recognized Users of NEXCOL may download and print valid permits directly from NEXCOL.

Paper copies of valid export permits must be presented with other export reporting documents to the Canada Border Services Agency when the goods or technology are presented for export.

If a permit has been issued for multiple shipments, a copy of the export permit must be presented with every shipment. The exporter must quote the export permit number on the appropriate export reporting documentation at time of export. This and other requirements under the Customs Act administered by the Canada Border Services Agency are further described in section H.

The exporter must maintain records of, and retain copies of all documents with respect to, each shipment or transfer made under the authority of an export permit for a period of six years from the expiry date of the permit.

The broker must maintain records of, and retain copies of transfers made under the authority of a brokering permit for a period of six years from the expiry of the permit.

G.2. Terms and Conditions

Export and brokering permits are only valid for use by the Exporter or Broker named therein. Exports and brokering activities may be made under the authority of an export permit up to a point no later than the expiry date of that permit.

Unless otherwise stated, an export permit may authorize multiple shipments, up to the expiry of the permit and as long as the cumulative total of the quantity or value of items exported does not exceed the quantity or value stated on the permit.

Some export and brokering permits are issued with special, mandatory terms or conditions of use. Exporters and brokers must review their permits to determine whether or not any conditions apply.

Persistent or repeated failure to fulfill permit obligations may result in a number of consequences, up to and including suspension or cancellation of permits.

Two of the more common reporting conditions are described below.

G.2.1. Quarterly Reporting

Export permits issued for Group 2 items authorize the export of a maximum quantity and value of the goods and technology identified, to specific customers in specific countries. Multiple shipments are allowed. A report on actual shipments made against each export permit must be submitted on a quarterly basis; exporters should refer to the instructions on their export permit for more information (some exceptions may apply).

Recognized Users of NEXCOL may enter reports on-line. To view a list of permits that have been issued and that have reporting conditions, users should select “My Reporting Conditions” from the NEXCOL ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ and may choose to view a list of all permits with reporting conditions or a list of only those permits with conditions that require immediate action. The last column displays an icon which indicates the status of reporting on a permit:

An electronic form for entering the required information is available by clicking on the Permit Utilization tab. Step-by-step instructions are also provided there.

Exporters who are not Recognized Users of NEXCOL should contact the Export Controls Division to request a quarterly reporting form. Information about becoming a Recognized User is available in section E.2.2 above.

G.2.2. Reporting the Return of Temporary Exports (including Demonstration Conditions)

All exports authorized by an export permit must be declared to the at the time of export using the Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS). Temporary exports of controlled goods or technology, including those that are carried by hand, must also be reported in this way.

In some cases, a permit covering a temporary export will contain the following condition:


The exporter must report to the Export Controls Division, ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ, 125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0G2 the return of the goods to Canada and provide proof of re-entry no later than four weeks after the return of the goods to Canada.


The report of return consists of a copy of the completed CBSA Import Declaration (i.e. B3 Canada Customs Coding Form or the CI1 Canada Customs Invoice). When temporary exports authorized by an export permit return to Canada, permit holders must ensure that they obtain an official proof of return from the Canadian customs authorities. Presentation of a completed Export Declaration showing that the goods originated in Canada facilitate processing of the custom’s proof of return for returning temporary exports. A copy of the proof of return should then be provided to the Export Controls Division to fulfill the reporting requirement.

G.3. Amendments of Export and Brokering Permits

A recognized NEXCOL user must submit a Permit Amendment Request using the on-line NEXCOL system no later than 30 days before the expiry of an export or brokering permit (see section E.2.2 for information on how to become a Recognized User).

The following amendments may be requested through a Permit Amendment Request. Applicants should attach an electronic document that requests and provides a justification for the amendment, as well as attaching any other relevant supporting documents.

Amendments are authorized at the discretion of the Export Controls Division. Amendments may be refused, for example, in cases where the exporter or broker has not yet fulfilled conditions imposed on the original permit.

Only one (1) permit amendment request can be submitted during the validity period of an issued permit. The permit amendment request may cover one or more of the allowable changes as outlined above.

Export or brokering permit amendments will not typically be issued to add new goods or technology. Exporters or brokers who wish to amend permits in these circumstances should submit a new permit application. Permit amendments shall not be granted for permits that have expired.

A Permit Amendment Request cannot be used to change information about the Applicant, Exporter or Broker. Changes in the name, address, or other contact details of the Applicant, Exporter or Broker must be requested in writing with appropriate supporting documents to the Export Controls Division (see Section G.3.1, below). Any existing export permits that need to be updated must be clearly identified so that new export permits may be issued with the new corporate details.

Inconsistencies between the permit and other customs or shipping documents, such as different exporter names and addresses, different goods or technology being exported and so on, may cause the export shipment to be subject to detention and/or penalties at the point of export under the authority of the Customs Act. Exporters must ensure they are in possession of a legally amended export permit before any export takes place.

Non-Recognized NEXCOL users must submit a Permit Amendment Request in the form of a letter to the attention of “Permit Section” quoting the Exporter or Broker’s EIPA Number and the existing permit number, with the title “Permit Amendment Request”, no later than 30 days before the expiry of an export permit (see section E.2 for information on how to become a Recognized User). Requests may be faxed to (613) 996-9933.

G.3.1. Changes to Applicant, Exporter or Broker name and/or address

Section 16 of the Export and Import Permits Act prohibits the transfer of a permit to another party who is not named on the permit. For this reason, when the Applicant’s, Exporter’s, or Broker’s name and/or address have changed, the Export Controls Division must be informed of these changes in writing and a new permit issued.

To request such changes, Applicants/Exporters/Brokers should provide the Export Controls Division with a letter on company letterhead which contains the following information:

All changes must meet the requirements set out in Section E of the Handbook (for example, as detailed under section E.3.1, an Applicant must be a resident of Canada). Requests should be submitted well in advance of the required change to ensure sufficient time for processing. Upon receiving such requests, the Export Controls Division regenerates active permits to reflect the required changes. Active permits will be replaced with a permit ending in a new version number and the original permits will be automatically cancelled.

G.4. Inspection and Record-Keeping

Section 10 of the Footnote 28 specifies important requirements related to record-keeping and to the inspection, audit, and examination of such records.

G.5. Offences and Penalties

Violations of the prohibitions defined in Sections 13-18 of the Export and Import Permits Act may result in prosecution. Some examples of offences under the Act are:

Penalties for contraventions of the Export and Import Permits Act or the Regulations are set out in Section 19 of the Act. Penalties can be, for an offence punishable on summary conviction, a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both; and for an indictable offence, a maximum fine set by the court or imprisonment for a maximum of 10 years, or both.

In accordance with Section 20 of the Act, where a corporation commits an offence under the Act, any officer or director of the corporation who directed, authorized, assented to, acquiesced in, or participated in the commission of the offence, is a party to and guilty of the offence and is liable on conviction to the punishment provided for the offence whether or not the corporation has been prosecuted or convicted.

In accordance with Section 21 of the Act, the export permit applicant, who must be a Canadian resident, may be held responsible for any offences committed by a non-resident exporter.

G.6. Report Illegal Exports

If you wish to pass on information about possible violations of the Export and Import Permits Act, please contact the Export Controls Division, a local detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or a Canada Border Services Agency office. Telephone numbers can be found at the front of this document or in the blue pages of your local telephone book under “Government of Canada”. Your call will be handled in confidence.

G.7. Disclosures of Non-Compliance

The Export Controls Division recognizes that, on occasion, responsible exporters and brokers inadvertently fail to comply with the Export and Import Permits Act. We encourage all exporters finding themselves in such a situation to disclose any incidents of non-compliance to us as soon as possible.

The Export Controls Division looks favourably upon disclosures if, after considering the information provided, we are satisfied that the exporter or broker has fully cooperated and that no further action is warranted. Depending on the gravity or overall circumstances of a case, we may nonetheless refer disclosures to the Canada Border Services Agency or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for further review.

G.7.1. Disclosure Procedures

Any voluntary disclosure must be accompanied by a cover letter, signed by a senior company officer and addressed to the Director, Export Controls Division, ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ, 125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2, which clearly states that its purpose is to disclose non-compliance with the Export and Import Permits Act. Included in the cover letter or in accompanying documentation must be the following:

Disclosures must be submitted in writing. You should contact the Export Controls Division for advice on the most appropriate means of submitting a disclosure of non-compliance.

H. Customs Procedures (Canada Border Services Agency)

For detailed information about (Customs) procedures, please consult the following documents published by the Agency.

Exporters must report electronically, via the Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS), all goods being exported from Canada. Certain exemptions may apply. It is the exporter’s responsibility to cite the permit number in the appropriate field in the Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS).

The exporter is responsible to ensure that paper copies of export permits are submitted to the Canada Border Services Agency when items are tendered for export, i.e. for each shipment. However, it should be noted that it is the exporter’s responsibility to keep records in order not to ship beyond the quantity or value limits of the export permit.

If no permit is required (e.g. if an export permit application has been made and the technical assessment has determined that the items are not controlled), this should be stated on the export documentation. In this case, the Export Controls Division may issue a letter stating that the technology or goods are not controlled for export under the Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA).

For more information, please refer to the Canada Border Services Agency’s “”.

H.1. Enforcement

Border Services Officers, before allowing the export of any item, must satisfy themselves that the exporter has fully complied with, and not contravened, the provisions of the Export and Import Permits Act and Regulations (EIPA), or any other Act of Parliament.

Under the authority of the Footnote 31, Border Services Officers may exercise certain powers, respecting search, detention, seizure and forfeiture with respect to any goods that are tendered for export or exported or otherwise dealt with contrary to this Act, to the Export and Import Permits Act and to relevant Regulations or any other Act of Parliament that controls the export of goods from Canada.

H.2. Examination and Detention

The Canada Border Services Agency has the authority to examine goods that are to be exported. If an examination is required, the exporter or the person in control of the goods at the time of the request (normally the freight forwarder or the exporting carrier) will be asked to present the goods at a sufferance warehouse. In all cases, destuffing for examination purposes and other related fees are costs to the exporter.

Some shipments may be detained to confirm whether export controls apply to such shipments and if proper export permits have been obtained. Export shipments of goods or technology subject to export controls will be detained in the following circumstances:

Items that have been detained by the Canada Border Services Agency may be referred to the Export Controls Division for determination of the control status of the goods. The Export Controls Division evaluates the export documentation submitted by the exporter at time of export and, in many instances, will contact the exporter to request additional documents or information. It is in the best interest of the exporter to make all requested information available as quickly as possible.

Exporters may enquire about the status of the determination process by contacting the Export Controls Division at (343) 203-4331 and providing the appropriate detention reference number (e.g. K26 #XXXX-XX-XXXX) assigned to the case by the Canada Border Services Agency.

Upon finalizing the determination of the control status of the items tendered for the specific export, the Export Controls Division will advise the Canada Border Services Agency of its findings. However, the exporter must contact the Border Services Officer at the port where goods are being detained regarding any further information or actions required on the specific detention.

Exporters with items under detention may apply for a permit to export the same items. Applications must be made through the normal channels as described, for example, in section E above, and must state clearly that goods had been detained in a prior shipment.

However, issuance of an export permit for such items does not necessarily cause detained goods to be released to the exporter, nor does it absolve the applicant or exporter of any infractions or offences that may have been committed.

Detentions may be lifted when the Canada Border Services Agency receives:

H.3. Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS), Seizures and Ascertained Forfeiture

The Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) is a penalty regime designed to encourage compliance with customs legislation. The penalties are intended to be corrective rather than punitive. The initial amount and increments of these monetary penalties are established after giving due consideration to the type, frequency, and severity of each infraction. Most penalties are graduated and take the compliance history of the client into consideration.

Most contraventions will be dealt with using the Administrative Monetary Penalty System. However, because legislative requirements provide that certain goods may enter or leave Canada only under controlled conditions and that some infractions require greater deterrence, seizures and ascertained forfeitures continue to form part of the enforcement actions needed to address certain serious offences which may also include criminal prosecution.

A seizure is a legal action, the result of which calls for certain goods taken from offenders to become the property of the Government of Canada. It is invoked when reasonable grounds exist to conclude that legislative requirements pertaining to a suspected infraction call for the goods or the conveyance to be seized or when the mere possession of those goods without due justification is deemed to be unlawful. Seizures are subject to appeal within 90 days. Nearly all seized goods are ultimately destroyed or otherwise disposed of as prescribed by the relevant public authorities.

Ascertained forfeiture is the legal process used when seizure constitutes excessive punishment, or would be impractical or impossible, as in the case of goods that have already been exported. Used under basically the same conditions as a seizure, an ascertained forfeiture normally results in a monetary penalty equivalent to seizure of the goods. However, the Minister of Public Safety may prescribe a reduced penalty amount under certain circumstances. Like seizures, ascertained forfeitures are subject to a 90-day appeal period. Any outstanding amount not paid on time is subject to interest.

Seizure and ascertained forfeiture are the responsibility of the Canada Border Services Agency, therefore the Export Controls Division will not enter into correspondence with exporters about such actions. Exporters whose shipments are subject to such legal action may apply for permits to export similar items. Applications must be made through the normal channels as described, for example, in section E above, and must state clearly that goods had been detained in a prior shipment. However, issuance of an export permit for such items does not absolve the applicant or exporter of any infractions or offences that may have been committed.

H.4. Useful Internet Pages

I. Applications to Export Cryptographic items

I.1. Introduction

Permits are not required to export cryptography and information security goods or technology from Canada to the United States. Exports of Canadian goods or technology from the United States or other countries are subject to export controls of that country. However, foreign consignees who intend to re-export such goods or technology should state that in the end-use statement, if one is required.

I.2. General Export Permits

Pursuant to the Export and Import Permits Act, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has issued two (2) General Export Permits (GEPs) relating to the export or transfer of cryptography.

GEPs are intended to facilitate trade in defined circumstances and are issued generally to all residents of Canada to allow the export or transfer of specific goods and technology that are included in the Export Control List (ECL) to certain specified destinations, subject to terms and conditions. GEPs do not require an individual application to be submitted to ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ for purposes of export or transfer.

Currently, there are two types of GEPs for the export or transfer of cryptography:

Please consult the corresponding regulations within the Export and Import Permits Act pertaining to the above GEPs.

Exporters wishing to utilize these GEPs must, prior to their first export in any calendar year, provide in writing to the Export Controls Division of ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ:

I.3. Individual Export Permits

An individual export permit allows exports of goods and technology described therein to specified consignees in a single country. Individual permits may authorize exports of any cryptographic items controlled in Group 1: Category 5 – Part 2 of the Export Control List (ECL). An application must be submitted to the Export Controls Division in order to obtain an individual permit. Once it has been issued to an applicant, this type of permit generally does not require that actual exports be reported (in contrast to some other permit types).

I.3.1. Applications

Export permit applications for information security goods/technology and goods/technology employing cryptography consist of the following:

As noted above, general information that is required in an export permit application form submitted through NEXCOL can be found in the Export Controls Handbook.

Exporters of information security goods/technology and goods/technology employing cryptography should note the following guidelines on identifying items in an export permit application:

An export permit issued for software will generally include the version number, as noted above (e.g., version 1.x). Changes to the version number to the left of the decimal (i.e., from version 1.x to version 2.x) require a new permit to be issued. In other words, if a permit is issued for version 1.1, the exporter may also use that permit to export versions 1.2 and 1.3 (assuming there has been no change to the cryptographic functionality). However, that permit may not be used to export version 2.1 of the same software. A new permit application should be submitted.

I.3.2. Application review period

The Export Controls Division makes every effort to review export permit applications as quickly as possible. The Export Controls Division has established service delivery targets for applications to export in order to provide applicants with timely service. Review times may vary according to the complexity of an application, the adequacy and completeness of the information presented in it, and the number of applications under review at any given time. Under normal circumstances:

Permits are not required to export cryptography and information security goods or technology from Canada to the United States.

Applicants whose applications are incomplete will be asked to provide additional information within a specific time period. Incomplete applications may be returned without action in order for them to be submitted again at a later date when the required information is available to the applicant.

I.3.3. Validity periods for individual export permits

The default validity period for individual export permits for cryptography is two years. Exporters may request shorter or longer validity periods, up to 5 years. Individual applications may also be amended to extend the validity period by up to one year at a time (applications must be made through NEXCOL at least 2 weeks before the expiry date of the existing permit – refer to the Export Controls Handbook for more information).

I.4. Multidestination export permits

The Export Controls Division issues several types of “multidestination” export permits for cryptographic items. These allow for exports to multiple destination countries without consignees being specified in the application. These permits differ according to the cryptography products that are intended to be exported and the terms and conditions that apply to the use of these permits. The following multidestination permits are currently issued by the Export Controls Division:

I.4.1. Applications

Please contact the Export Controls Division if you wish to submit an application for a multidestination permit using NEXCOL and have not done so before. You should send an email to tie.reception@international.gc.ca and request that your NEXCOL profile to be set to enable applications for multidestination cryptography permits.

Applications for multidestination permits must include the following:

Some types of multidestination permits may require other supporting documents or information. Please refer to the detailed descriptions of each for more information.

Applicants/exporters must indicate the approximate quantity for each of the items they intend to export during the validity period of the proposed permit. Such quantity must be reasonable and within the commercial prospects of the intended exports. The applicant/exporter may be able to further justify their proposed quantity in their Cover Letter. Quantities that merely reflect “inventory numbers”, “catalog inventory” or “maximum possible quantities” will not be accepted and the corresponding application will be returned without action.

I.4.2. Application review period

The Export Controls Division makes every effort to review export permit applications as quickly as possible. The Export Controls Division has established service delivery targets to process permit applications in order to provide applicants with timely service. Review times may vary according to the complexity of an application, the adequacy and completeness of the information presented in it, and the number of applications under review at any given time. Under normal circumstances, complete applications for multidestination permits will be reviewed within 8 weeks from the submit date in NEXCOL or from the date of receipt in the Export Controls Division.

Permits are not required to export cryptography and information security goods or technology from Canada to the United States.

Applicants whose applications are incomplete will be asked to provide additional information within a specific time period. Incomplete applications may be returned without action in order for them to be submitted again at a later date when the required information is available to the applicant.

I.4.3. Validity period for multidestination permits

The validity period for multidestination export permits for cryptography is 2 years. Applicants whose product development cycles are shorter than 2 years may wish to request shorter validity periods since new versions of a cryptography item require the submission of a new application (and these new applications may include all previous versions of the same product).

I.4.4. Export Control Compliance Plan

A statement is required in the cover letter indicating that the exporter has implemented an export control compliance plan. Multidestination permits allow greater flexibility to exporters than individual permits, but also impose different conditions on them, in particular the requirement to submit certain reports at regular intervals. Failure to comply with these conditions may result in the suspension or cancellation of a multidestination permit. When this happens, an exporter cannot use the corresponding permit until full compliance has been restored and must apply for individual permits in the interim. Export control compliance plans may reduce the risk and consequences of non-compliance.

In general terms, an export control compliance plan consists of defined or prescribed processes and procedures to ensure that employees at all levels of a company understand and act in accordance with the letter and spirit of the Export and Import Permits Act, the Customs Act, other trade-related legislation (for example, on economic sanctions) and their related regulations.

The export control compliance plan should establish the steps and due diligence processes a company follows when planning, marketing, and shipping items included in the Export Control List to foreign clients, and should also cover download practices (if applicable). An important provision of such a plan is a defined process to provide a reasonable level of assurance (due diligence) that goods or technology may not be exported to unauthorized or illegitimate end-uses or end-users.

Attached to an export permit may be terms and conditions that constitute legal obligations on the company that uses that permit. An export control compliance plan should ensure that those terms and conditions are recorded and that internal company processes reflect and meet those obligations.

Other obligations on exporters of goods and technology subject to export controls are prescribed in the following sections of the Export and Import Permits Act:

An export control compliance plan should also address procedures to deal with instances of non-compliance. For example, the Export Controls Division of ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ should be promptly notified of any failure to comply with the provisions of the Export and Import Permits Act or the terms and conditions of any export permit issued under the authority of that Act.

J. Applications to Export Firearms, Related Goods, and Ammunition

J.1. Specific Information

In addition to the general guidance on export permit applications provided in section E, common scenarios for the export of firearms, firearms-related goods, and ammunition are provided at J.4, below, as well as on the internet.

Before starting an export permit application, applicants should have the following information available:

Exporters should be aware of Canada’s Export Control List, in particular Group 2.

In filling out your application, please note that optical weapon sights without electronic image processing, with a magnification of 9 times or less, that are not specially designed or modified for military purposes, and do not incorporate any reticles specially designed for military use, do not require an export permit.

It is recommended that exporters apply for export permits to export firearms by using theFootnote 32 secure website. Please refer to section E.2.3 above for more information on making an electronic application.

Paper application forms may also be used. Please refer to section E.2.4 above for more information on making a paper application. Forms that are not legible may be returned without action.

Canadian exporters should be aware of the firearms laws of the destination country. In order to prevent any disappointment or delays, it is strongly recommended that these requirements be thoroughly researched before booking any transport arrangements involving firearms.

If firearms transit a third country on the way to their final destination, whether they are in the possession and control of the owner or are being shipped separately, they may be subject to special requirements imposed by that third country. It is the exporter’s responsibility to be aware of, and comply with, any such requirements.

J.2. Export Permit Requirements for Firearms

J.2.1. Exports to the United States

Both temporary and permanent exports of either Restricted or Non-Restricted firearms to the U.S. may be made by citing General Export Permit 47 (see section F.5 for more information) on your export documentation.

All exports of Prohibited firearms to any destination, including the U.S., must be authorized in advance with an export permit.

Applications to export Prohibited firearms to the U.S. must include a copy of the U.S. import permit that specifically identifies the firearm to be exported. Additional supporting documentation, such as a cover letter, registration certification for the firearm(s) in question and valid firearms licence, must be included in the export permit application, as described above.

However, for all types of firearms, a U.S. import permit must have been issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) prior to their entry into the U.S. Forms are available online at the following .

For temporary imports into the U.S., Canadian applicants must complete Form 6NIA (ATF F 5330.3D), Application and Permit for Temporary Importation of Firearms and Ammunition by Non-immigrant Aliens. It can take up to 12 weeks to process an application, so it is advisable to apply for a permit well in advance.

For permanent imports into the U.S., Form 6 (ATF F 5330.3A) must be completed by the importer and a copy sent to the Canadian exporter for use in preparing their export permit application.

J.2.2. Exports to Countries Other than the United States

In general, both temporary and permanent exports of either Restricted, Non-Restricted, or Prohibited firearms to countries other than the United States must be authorized in advance with an export permit.

Exception: Permanent exports of Restricted and Non-Restricted firearms that were temporarily imported into Canada by individuals who are non-residents of Canada and are returning to the country from which they came from do not require Canadian export permits. However, all such visitors must have a valid Non-Resident Firearm Declaration (CAFC909) for the duration of their stay in Canada.

J.2.3. Other Requirements

Visitors may not, under any circumstances, import or export Prohibited firearms.

Canadian exporters are required to report the permanent export of all firearms to the Canada Firearms Program of the RCMP. It is recommended that copies of the Export Permit, foreign import authorization and any waybill issued by the carrier be provided to the to support the exporter’s claim of permanent export. A photocopy of the foreign import authorization should be included with the package when shipped.

J.3. Additional Considerations

If the firearms, ammunition, or firearms-related goods or technology proposed for export are “controlled goods” as defined in Part 2 of the Defence Production Act, registration under the Controlled Goods Program may be required.

See section F.9. above for more information about the Controlled Goods Program.

See Box 1 and section E.4.3. above for information about “controlled goods” and U.S. Export Authorizations.

J.4. Common Export Scenarios for Firearms, Related Goods, and Ammunition

J.4.1. Temporary Export for Overseas Competition

In addition to the specific information (see J.1, above), please be aware of the following instructions.

You should provide the following with your application:

Other information:

J.4.2. Temporary Export for a Hunting Trip

In addition to the specific information (see J.1, above), please be aware of the following instructions.

An export permit is required in order to take hunting firearms and related magazines, riflescopes and ammunition outside Canada. You should provide the following with your application:

Some countries now require the presentation of a valid export permit as a pre-condition for their issuance of an import permit. Not having a Canadian export permit in your possession at the time of import to a foreign country may lead to travel delays and/or confiscation of your firearm.

In filling out your application, please note the following:

J.4.3. Export of a firearm for repair (temporary export) or replacement (permanent export)

In addition to specific information (see J.1, above), please be aware of the following instructions.

A common error with this scenario is that the item to be exported is being sent for an evaluation of whether the item can be repaired or not. If the item is to be repaired and returned to Canada, then the export is of a temporary nature. If, however, the exporter believes that it is likely that the item cannot be repaired and is to be replaced, then the application should be for a permanent export. In this case, an import permit may then be required to have the replacement item enter Canada. Exporters who apply for a temporary permit and who then do not have the original item return to Canada may place themselves in violation of the conditions of their permit. It is the applicant/exporter's responsibility to ensure that the proper type of export is indicated on their application.

For firearms being returned for repair, supporting documentation should include:

J.4.4. Permanent export of a firearm by an individual

In addition to specific information (see J.1, above), please be aware of the following instructions.

You should provide the following with your application:

J.4.5. Permanent export of a firearm by a business

In addition to the specific information (see J.1, above), please be aware of the following instructions.

You should provide the following with your application:

J.4.6. Export of prohibited firearms, prohibited weapons, or prohibited devices

In addition to the specific information (see J.1, above), please be aware of the following instructions.

Certain prohibited firearms, weapons, devices, or components thereof that are included on the Export Control List (ECL) may be exported only to destinations in the Automatic Firearms Country Control List (AFCCL). More information about the AFCCL is available on our website.

J.4.7. Export of firearms-related goods or ammunition, without firearms

In addition to the specific information (see J.1, above), please be aware of the following instructions.

The requirements are identical to those noted for firearms, except that firearms registration documentation need not be presented. However, an application to export any item that requires a valid licence to possess in Canada must be accompanied by the appropriate licencing documentation. Items that are not legally possessed in Canada may not be exported from Canada.

K. Import-related Documents

K.1. Import Permits

Canada has a range of goods over which it imposes import controlsFootnote 33. These goods are listed on the Import Control List of the Export and Import Permits Act. Certain military goods and firearms are controlled by paragraphs 70-73 and 91. Chemical Weapons Convention items are controlled by paragraph 74 of the Import Control List.

An Import Permit authorizes the import into Canada of certain goods that are controlled on the Import Control List and must be presented to Border Services Officers of the Canada Border Services Agency at the time of import. Importers are advised to refer to the Import Control List to determine whether a specific good or goods require an Import Permit for entry into Canada.

Application forms may be requested from tie.reception@international.gc.ca.

Current policy allows for the waiver of an import permit for goods defined in paragraphs 70(1)(a) and 70(1)(b), firearms and their parts, when destined to sporting or recreational use.

Large calibre military-grade weapons:

The Minister's decision in deciding whether to issue an import permit for a controlled item is informed by the purposes for which the item has been placed on the Import Control List.

Given that the risk to public safety through commercial resale or other transfers of such items to unauthorized individuals has been assessed as high, applications proposing the import of large calibre military-grade weapons, including grenade launchers, will normally be rejected. Such applications would normally only be granted if the specific end-users are explicitly identified and the entire quantity proposed for import are limited to the following end-uses:

  1. movie/theatrical,
  2. police or military.

In such instances, the Minister has the legislative authority to attach specific conditions to the import permits to ensure that such parameters are respected. In all instances, the import of these weapons into Canada without an import permit would constitute an offence under the EIPA, for which an importer could face prosecution.

Please note that whenever an item that is to be imported to Canada falls under any of the Export Control List (ECL) item numbers (including ECL 2-2.a) set out under the Controlled Goods List of the Defence Production Act, it is a requirement that Controlled Goods Program registration be held by those who would examine, possess or transfer such items within Canada. Importers of such items may be requested to provide proof of CGP registration on import. ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ requires that such documentation be provided with any IIC or import permit application for any such item proposed to enter Canada.

In order to assess any import permit application you may wish to submit against the criteria set out above, you are asked to explicitly identify the specific end-users and end-use for the entire quantity of the noted items that you are proposing for import. Additionally, you will need to indicate whether or not each of the specific end-users holds valid Controlled Goods Program Registration and appropriate firearms licencing authority.

K.2. International Import Certificates

Important note: An International Import Certificate is meant to allow a foreign supplier to obtain the approvals it needs from its own government to allow the export of goods or technology to Canada. An International Import Certificate IS NOT AN IMPORT PERMIT and does not necessarily authorize the importation of such goods into Canada. If an Import Permit is required, please consult the following website.

The International Import Certificate is an end-use assurance document that formally recognizes that the Government of Canada is aware of, and has no immediate objections to, the proposed import of specific goods to Canada by the stated importer, for the stated end-use and end-user.

A Canadian-issued International Import Certificate may be required by an exporting country prior to that country authorizing an export permit/licence. Canadian International Import Certificates are issued to Canadian applicants, who in turn provide a copy to their foreign suppliers, who use the International Import Certificates to obtain a foreign export permit. The International Import Certificate is used by the export control authorities of the exporting state in their export permit/license issuance process. Once approved, the International Import Certificate is valid for use only if presented to the authorities of the exporting state within six months of its issuance by Canada.

K.2.1. How to apply for an International Import Certificate

Applications for International Import Certificates may be submitted online using Export Controls On-Line (NEXCOL)Footnote 34, click on International Import Certificate on the left-hand menu bar.  Paper application forms are also available Footnote 35.

K.2.2. International Import Certificates for Firearms, Firearms-Related Goods, and Ammunition

In addition to the general information above, applications for International Import Certificates relating to firearms, firearms-related goods, and ammunition should include the following information:

Incomplete International Import Certificate applications (e.g. without supporting documentation) or those with vague and/or inaccurate item descriptions may take longer to process and/or may be returned to the applicant without action.

Large calibre military-grade weapons:

The Minister's decision in deciding whether to issue an International Import Certificate (IIC) for a controlled item is informed by the purposes for which the item has been placed on the Import Control List.

Given that the risk to public safety through commercial resale or other transfers of such items to unauthorized individuals has been assessed as high, IIC applications proposing the import of large calibre military-grade weapons, including grenade launchers, will normally be rejected. Such applications would normally only be granted if the specific end-users are explicitly identified and the entire quantity proposed for import are limited to the following end-uses:

  1. movie/theatrical,
  2. police or military.

In such instances, the Minister has the legislative authority to attach specific conditions to the import permits to ensure that such parameters are respected. In all instances, the import of these weapons into Canada without an import permit would constitute an offence under the EIPA, for which an importer could face prosecution.

Please note that whenever an item that is to be imported to Canada falls under any of the Export Control List (ECL) item numbers (including ECL 2-2.a) set out under the Controlled Goods List of the Defence Production Act, it is a requirement that Controlled Goods Program registration be held by those who would examine, possess or transfer such items within Canada. Importers of such items may be requested to provide proof of CGP registration on import. ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ requires that such documentation be provided with any IIC or import permit application for any such item proposed to enter Canada.

In order to assess any IIC application you may wish to submit against the criteria set out above, you are asked to explicitly identify the specific end-users and end-use for the entire quantity of the noted items that you are proposing for import. Additionally, you will need to indicate whether or not each of the specific end-users holds valid Controlled Goods Program Registration and appropriate firearms licencing authority.

K.3. Delivery Verification Certificates

A Delivery Verification Certificate is issued by the Export Controls Division on behalf of the Government of Canada to provide official confirmation that imported goods or technology have been delivered to a consignee in Canada. A Delivery Verification Certificate may also be issued to confirm delivery of goods identified on an International Import Certificate. Your foreign supplier of controlled goods or technology may be required to provide a Delivery Verification Certificate to its government in order to fulfill the conditions of a foreign export permit.

Applications for Delivery Verification Certificates may be submitted online using Export Controls On-Line (NEXCOL) (from the home page, click on Delivery Verification Certificate on the left-hand menu bar). Paper application forms are also available on our websiteFootnote 36.

An application for a Delivery Verification Certificate should include the following information:

An application for a Delivery Verification Certificate must include the following supporting documents:

Information provided in the Delivery Verification Certificate application form must match or correspond closely to that provided on all supporting documents. In certain cases where the documents provided do not correspond exactly with the application, the applicant may be requested to provide additional information. If the information requested is not provided within a reasonable period of time, the application may be returned without action.

For Low-value Shipments (LVS), form B3 is still required. Contact CBSA to obtain the document before applying for a DVC.

L. Further Information and Reference

L.1. Arms Export Statistics

There are two different sets of statistics on arms exports published by the Government of Canada. The two sets of statistics are collected from different databases, are used for different purposes, and are not compatible.

¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ compiles and releases an annual “Footnote 37,” which provides statistics on the export of goods and technology identified on the “Munitions List” section of Canada’s Export Control List (ECL). Items on the “Munitions List” are used mostly by military and police forces for reasons of defence and security.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Statistics Canada collect information on ALL items exported from Canada, and classify these items using categories negotiated by the World Customs Organization (WCO). The WCO chapter on “Arms and Ammunition” includes some items that appear on the “Munitions List.” However, it also includes items not on the “Munitions List” (for example, paintballs, ammunition used to frighten birds at airports, flare guns and certain equipment for oil and gas exploration). CBSA and Statistics Canada information is made available on Industry Canada’s website as “Trade Data Online” and on Statistics Canada’s website as the “Canadian International Merchandise Trade Database.”

L.1.1. Report on Exports of Military Goods from Canada

Statistics relating to the export of military goods and technology, including conventional arms and ammunition, can be found in the "Report on Exports of Military Goods from Canada" published by GAC.  These statistics are based on the export of military goods and technology as identified in the Munitions List (Group 2) of Canada’s Export Control List, which reflect commitments made in the multilateral Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies and in the Organization of American States, as well as certain unilateral controls implemented by Canada. Canada’s export control regime, including the Export Control List, is established and administered under the authority of Canada's Export and Import Permits Act.

The report covers exports of goods and technology specifically designed for military use that took place in the preceding year. The report also provides an overview of recent developments in Canada’s export controls policy, as well as information on permit applications, permit denials, and service standards. It does not include data on exports of dual-use or other sensitive items controlled for export. Data for this report is assembled following the end of the calendar year, and is verified against information received from Canadian industry. Future reports will also include data on brokering transactions subject to Canada’s brokering controls.

Information on Canadian exports of military goods is also captured in two other key reports: the “Annual Report on the Administration of the Export and Import Permits Act,” which is also tabled in Parliament; and Canada’s submission to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms (UNROCA).

L.2. Websites

L.3. Commonly Used Export Controls Acronyms

AFCCL
Automatic Firearms Country Control List
AG
Australia Group
AMPS
Administrative Monetary Penalty System
BCL
Brokering Control List
CBSA
Canada Border Services Agency
CERS
Canadian Export Reporting System
CGP
Controlled Goods Program
CNA
Canadian National Authority
CNSC
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
CWC
Chemical Weapons Convention
DPA
Defence Production Act
DVC
Delivery Verification Certificate
ECL
Export Control List
EIPA
Export and Import Permits Act
EUC
End-Use Certificate
EUS
End-Use Statement
NEXCOL
Export Controls On-Line 
EXT-1042  
Application for Permit to Export Goods (paper form)
EXT-1719
Information on Logs in Support of Federal Application EXT-1042
GAC
¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ
GBP
General Brokering Permit
GEP
General Export Permit
ICL
Import Control List
IIC
International Import Certificate
IL
Import Licence
MDP
Multiple Destination Permit
MTCR
Missile Technology Control Regime
NPT
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
NSCA
Nuclear Safety and Control Act
NSG
Nuclear Suppliers’ Group
TIE
An administrative identifier for the Export Controls Operations Division 
TIR
An administrative identifier for the Export Controls Policy Division
UN
United Nations
WA
Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technology 
WMD
Weapons of Mass Destruction
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