Canada’s Customs Agency to Scrutinize Import/Export Documents for Sanctions Compliance
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has announced a new initiative to review import/export documents, including bills of lading, invoices, and certificates of origin, to ensure compliance with sanctions regulations.
The Initiative
According to the CBSA, shipments suspected of contravening sanctions legislation will be detained and referred to Global Affairs Canada (GAC) for further assessment. GAC may provide additional information on how the sanctions regime operates, allowing the CBSA to determine if charges should be laid under the United Nations Act, Special Economic Measures Act, or other related regulations.
The Consequences
The agency has emphasized that all costs associated with detaining goods suspected of violating sanctions legislation will be borne by the importer/exporter. Penalties for non-compliance can include fines and imprisonment.
The Purpose
The CBSA’s scrutiny of import/export documents is part of its efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, support international peace and security, and combat corruption. The agency works closely with GAC and other law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with sanctions regulations.
Sanctions Penalties
According to the United Nations Act, contravening an order or regulation can result in a fine of up to $100,000 or imprisonment for up to one year on summary conviction, or up to 10 years’ imprisonment on indictment. The Special Economic Measures Act imposes penalties of up to $25,000 or one year’s imprisonment on summary conviction, or up to five years’ imprisonment on indictment for willful contravention or failure to comply with an order or regulation.
How to Comply
To ensure compliance with sanctions regulations, importers and exporters are advised to review the Canada Border Services Agency’s guidelines and consult with Global Affairs Canada. Additional information is available by contacting GAC’s Sanctions Policy and Operations Coordination Division at (1-877-808-8838) or the Trade and Export Controls Bureau at (613-996-2387).
Sources
- Customs Act
- Customs Tariff
- Export and Import Permits Act
- Special Economic Measures Act
- United Nations Act
- Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act
For more information, please contact:
Canada Border Services Agency Border Information Service (BIS) line: 1-800-461-9999 (toll-free within Canada) TTY: 1-866-335-3237 (within Canada)
References
- Issuing office: Other Government Department Programs Unit
- Legislative references: Customs Act, Customs Tariff, Export and Import Permits Act, Special Economic Measures Act, United Nations Act, Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act
- Other references: D19-6-4, D19-10-2, D19-10-3, D20-1-1, D22-1-1