Research Security | Legal & Regulatory Requirements

Sanctions are foreign policy instruments used to restrict or prohibit certain economic interactions with a foreign state, individual, or entity. 

Sanctions can include arms embargos, asset freeze, export and import restrictions, financial prohibitions, and technical assistance prohibitions. A list of Canadian sanctions can be found here.

Sanction regimes are international in scope, and researchers should exercise caution when considering the transfer of foreign goods and/or funds to countries, groups, or individuals under another country’s sanction list.

The United States has an extensive sanctions list that includes “secondary sanctions” that require individuals and entities in third-party countries such as Canada to abide by U.S. sanctions. 

Export Controls

Export controls restrict the transfer of goods, technology, and data to foreign entities or individuals due to national security concerns. 

The Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA) establishes the Export Control List (ECL). A permit or license is required to export an item listed on the Export Control List. 

Researchers should be careful to not inadvertently contravene export control laws when transferring materials or data to research partners outside of Canada or when traveling with research data to international conferences.

Researchers working in Canada should also be mindful of other countries’ export control regulations when partnering with individuals, companies, or entities within their borders.

The Commerce Control List (CCL) is the U.S. equivalent of the Canadian Export Control List.