Export control outside Canada and the U.S.

Transferring goods, technology, or data outside of Canada and the United States?  

Exporting goods to another country from Canada usually entails transit through the United States because that is where most international transport hubs are located. This means that not only are goods being exported from Canada, but they will also be considered exported from the United States. Therefore U.S. export control legislation will apply to the shipment, even if the United States is neither the original origin point nor eventual destination of the material. 

If you are shipping an item outside of Canada and the United States, you need to verify that the person, organisation, or country you are shipping to is not “sanctioned”, which means that it might be illegal to ship anything to that destination, in some cases including universities or researchers, and certain persons in “friendly” countries as well.

Steps to verify a shipment

Step 1

Step 2

To confirm compliance with U.S. export control legislation, you will need to check two different lists: 

  1. The U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Entities list 

The BIS Entity List sets out the specific foreign persons (which includes businesses, research institutions, government organizations and other legal entities) that are subject to U.S. government licensing and sanctions.  

Hint - The easiest way to search this list is through a word search (CTRL + F) of the name of the company, institution, or person to whom you wish to ship. 

If the recipient of your shipment is on the BIS Entity List, please contact either Jennifer Ranford, Justin Nankivell or Mike Szarka. 

  1. The Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) Sanctions List Search 

The OFAC Sanctions List lists of individuals and companies owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, targeted countries. It also lists individuals, groups, and entities, such as terrorists and narcotics traffickers designated under programs that are not country specific. 

Note that it is prohibited to ship almost anything to North Korea, Cuba, Iran, Syria, Venezuela, or Russia. 

If the recipient of your shipment is on the OFAC List, please contact either Jennifer Ranford, Justin Nankivell or Mike Szarka.