Canada publishes sanctions guidance for aerospace and defence sector

22 April 2026

Canada has published guidance to help Canadian aerospace and defence organisations understand sanctions compliance and manage sanctions risks.

Export controls and sanctions

• Sanctions may affect how dual-use or defence goods and technologies listed in Canada’s Export Control List are exported.

• In some cases, legally exporting an item could require both an export control permit and a sanctions permit.

• This applies even where an activity is prohibited by sanctions but none of the parties involved are listed.

Due diligence

• Actors in sanctioned countries may attempt to circumvent restrictions in ways that benefit sanctioned individuals or entities.

• Organisations should screen proposed engagements against the UN Security Council Consolidated List and the Consolidated Canadian Autonomous Sanctions List. Indirect dealings also fall within scope, including transactions routed through non-Canadian third parties outside Canada.

Goods and technologies

• Certain sanctions regulations prohibit the export or import of dual-use goods, arms and related materials, and technologies with military applications.

• Canada’s Restricted Goods and Technologies List and Common High Priority Items List provide further guidance on restricted items.

Red flags

• Organisations should monitor for indicators of sanctions circumvention, particularly around dual-use goods and end-user identity.

• Where red flags arise, further due diligence and legal advice are recommended.

The guidance encourages organisations to subscribe to Canadian sanctions updates and review the sanctions enforcement guidance for information on reporting obligations and penalties. See our Canada pages for information and guidance on sanctions under Canada’s Special Economic Measures Act.