Canada’s existing Russia sanctions

Sanctions related to Russia were imposed under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) in order to respond to the gravity of Russia’s violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and grave human rights violations that have been committed in Russia. On March 17, 2014, the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (“the Regulations”) came into force.

Export and import restrictions

Financial prohibitions

2026-11-05 - Regulations were amended ( News release )

2026-09-04 - Regulations were amended ( News release )

2026-08-06 - Regulations were amended ( News release )

Permits and certificates

Actions taken by Canada

Guidance and related links

Please be advised that Global Affairs Canada cannot provide legal advice to members of the public. For this reason, we cannot deliver an opinion as to whether or not a specific activity or transaction would contravene sanctions legislation. You should consider seeking legal advice in relation to an activity that may contravene a Canadian sanction law.

The Regulations impose an asset freeze and dealings prohibition on designated persons listed in Schedule 1, which include both individuals and entities. It is prohibited for any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada to:

deal in any property, wherever situated, held by or on behalf of a designated person whose name is listed in Schedule 1

enter into or facilitate, directly or indirectly, any transaction related to such a dealing

provide any financial or other related services in respect of such a dealing

make any goods, wherever situated, available to a designated person listed in Schedule 1

provide any financial or related service to, or for the benefit of, a designated person listed in Schedule 1

The Regulations also impose restrictions on certain sectors, such as the financial and energy sectors. With some exceptions, they prohibit any person in Canada and Canadians abroad from dealing in new debt of longer than 30 days maturity in relation to persons listed in Schedule 2, or 90 days maturity in relation to persons listed in Schedule 3. Additionally, the Regulations prohibit any person in Canada or Canadians abroad from dealing in new securities in relation to persons listed in Schedule 2.

The Regulations prohibit:

any ship that is registered in Russia or used, leased or chartered, in whole or in part, by or on behalf of or for the benefit of Russia, a person in Russia or a designated person from docking in Canada or passing through Canadian waters.

the provision of financial services or any other services to any person outside Canada who is not Canadian, where the services relate to a ship listed in Schedule 1.1 of the Regulations.

the export, sale, supply or shipping of goods listed in Schedule 4, to Russia or to any person in Russia for their use in offshore oil (depth greater than 500m), shale oil or Arctic oil exploration and production. This includes a ban on the provision of any financial, technical or other services related to the goods subject to this prohibition.

the import, purchase or acquisition by any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada, of specific petroleum products listed in Schedule 5, from Russia or from any person in Russia.

the import, purchase or acquisition by any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada, of coal referred to in column 1 of Schedule 5.01, from Russia or from any person in Russia.

the export, sale, supply or shipping by any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada, of jet fuel and additives referred to in column 1 of Schedule 5.052, to Russia or to any person in Russia.

any person in Canada or any Canadian outside Canada from providing any services listed in Schedule 10, in relation to the maritime transport of Russian crude oil and certain petroleum products, unless the oil is purchased at or below the price outlined in Schedule 10.01.

any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from exporting, selling, supplying or shipping any good, wherever situated, or to provide any technology, to Russia or to any person in Russia, if it is described in the Restricted Goods and Technologies List .

any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from exporting, selling, supplying or shipping any luxury good referred to in column 1 of Part 1 to Schedule 6, wherever situated, to Russia or to any person in Russia.

the import, purchase or acquisition by any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada, of any luxury good referred to in column 1 of Part 2 of Schedule 6, wherever situated, from Russia or from any person in Russia.

any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from exporting, selling, supplying or shipping any good that could be used for the manufacturing weapons referred to in column 1 of Schedule 7, wherever situated, to Russia or to any person in Russia.

individuals and entities in Canada from providing any and all insurance, reinsurance, and underwriting services for aircraft, and aviation and aerospace products either owned by, controlled by, registered to, chartered by, or operated by entities and individuals resident, incorporated, or domiciled in Russia.

the provision of any services referred to in column 1 of Schedule 8, to the Russian oil, gas, chemical and manufacturing industries.

any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada from exporting, selling, supplying or shipping any good or technology, wherever situated, to Russia or to any person in Russia if the good or technology is referred to in Schedule 5.1.

any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada to import, purchase or acquire from Russia or from any person in Russia if the good is referred to in column 1 of Schedule 9.

export of certain chemicals primed for use in electronic devices that could be used in weapons.

importing, purchasing, acquiring or shipping any and all Russian arms, ammunition and other weapons, including hunting knives and air rifles into Canada.

persons in Canada and Canadians abroad from exporting, selling, supplying or shipping arms and related material, wherever situated, to Russia or to any person in Russia.

the export, sale, supply or shipping by any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada, of chemicals and goods related to chemical and biological weapons referred to in column 1 of Parts 1, 2, and 3 of Schedule 10.1, to Russia or to any person in Russia.

providing to Russia, or to any person in Russia, any financial, technical or other services related to the sale, supply, transfer, manufacture, maintenance or use of arms and related material.

any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada to import, purchase or acquire any good referred to in column 1 of Part 1 or 2 of Schedule 11 from Russia or from any person in Russia.

any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada to import, purchase or acquire any good referred to in column 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12, wherever situated, from Russia or from any person in Russia, unless the goods were exported from Russia to a country other than Canada before March 1, 2024, for goods weighing 1.0 carat or more, and before September 1, 2024, for goods weighing 0.5 carat or more, but less than 1.0 carat.

any person in Canada or any Canadian outside Canada to import, purchase or acquire any good referred to in column 1 of Part 2 of Schedule 12, from Russia or from any person in Russia.

the import, purchase or acquisition by any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada, of revenue-generating goods referred to in column 1 of Schedule 13, from Russia or from any person in Russia.

Causing, assisting or promoting prohibited activities is likewise prohibited.

The Regulations provide a review mechanism to remove names from the schedule upon receipt of an application from a designated person.

Individuals listed under the Regulations are also inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act .

There are a wide range of exceptions in the Regulations, which set out situations where prohibitions do not apply. Those seeking to rely on these should ensure that they review the full text of the exceptions before undertaking any activities.

There are exceptions from all prohibitions in the Regulations relating to:

Payments relating to designated persons relating to prior contracts;

Diplomatic missions and international organizations;

Prior funds held by a designated person belonging to a Canadian;

Legal services for a designated person;

Exchange of information with the International Civil Aviation Organization.

There are exceptions from the prohibitions on debt and equity financing relating to activities undertaken before a person was listed.

There are exceptions from the prohibitions on oil exploration or production goods relating to prior contracts.

There are exceptions from the prohibitions on petroleum oils and gases relating to prior contracts.

There are exceptions from the prohibition on coal relating to goods exported prior to coming into force, and prior contracts.

There are exceptions from the prohibition on jet fuel relating to goods on board an aircraft for consumption during flights.

There are exceptions from the prohibition on restricted goods and industrial goods relating to:

Temporary media exports;

International nuclear safeguards verification;

The Government of Canada;

The Chemical Weapons Convention;

The International Space Station;

Aircraft and ship stores;

Maintenance, repair or operation of aircraft of Canadian and US air carriers;

Consumer communication devices;

There are exceptions from the prohibition on luxury goods relating to personal effects.

There are exceptions from the prohibition on industrial goods relating to the urgent prevention of certain events and prior contracts.

There are exceptions from the prohibition on services in relation to prior contracts.

There are exceptions from the prohibition on gold in relation to goods in transit and personal effects.

There are exceptions from the prohibition on maritime transport of crude oil and petroleum products in relation to certain EU Member States, emergency situations, and goods loaded on specific dates.

There are exceptions from the prohibition on arms and related material in relation to non-lethal equipment for certain uses, and members of the Canadian Forces.

There are exceptions from the prohibitions on chemicals and goods related to chemical and biological weapons in relation to international nuclear safeguard verifications, the Chemical Weapons Convention, and aircraft and ship stores, goods exported prior to coming into force, and prior contracts.

There are exceptions from the prohibitions on diamonds in relation to personal effects.

There are exceptions from the prohibition on revenue-generating goods in relation to personal effects, goods exported prior to coming into force, and prior contracts.

Permits and certificates

The Special Economic Measures Permit Authorization Order came into force on February 26, 2025, and provides the Minister of Foreign Affairs with the authority to issue both individual and general permits in exceptional cases to allow specified activities or transactions that would otherwise be restricted or prohibited under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA). This Permit Authorization Order is applicable to all Regulations made under the SEMA, and repeals all the specific Permit Authorization Orders under each SEMA Regulations .

For information on how to apply for a permit, see Permits and certificates .

In November 2013, the refusal of then-Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych to sign a landmark association agreement with the European Union set off major protests in Kyiv, leading to the fall of the Yanukovych government.

In March 2014, Russian forces occupied the Crimean Peninsula of Ukraine. Following the unconstitutional “referendum” on March 16, 2014, President Putin signed a treaty purporting to incorporate Crimea into the Russian Federation on March 18, 2014. Canada, along with the international community, continues to condemn Russia’s illegal occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea.

In the wake of the illegal occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea, Russian-backed militants quickly gained control of significant portions of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine, declaring the creation of the ‘Donetsk People’s Republic’ and the ‘Luhansk People’s Republic’. Fraudulent so-called “independence referendums”, initiated by pro-Russian separatists, were held on May 11, 2014, but gained no international recognition. In the months following, violence increased as Russian-backed insurgents clashed with Ukrainian government forces. Russia denied for a long time that it was even a party to the conflict in the east, thus leading to a deadlock in the peace negotiations.

Peace agreements were reached at talks held in Minsk, Belarus, in September 2014 and in February 2015. The February ‘Package of Measures’ contains 13 commitments, including: an immediate and complete ceasefire in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions; the full withdrawal of heavy weaponry by both sides; full exchange of prisoners; pullout of all foreign armed formations; and the regaining by Ukraine of control of its border with Russia, amongst other measures.

Russia’s direct military involvement in Ukraine and clear violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity continue to be a grave concern for the international community.

Furthermore, events within Russia, including the attack and subsequent imprisonment of prominent Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, highlight a trend of deepening authoritarianism in the country. International human rights organizations have noted that Russia’s human rights record has continued to deteriorate in recent years.

In August 2020, Alexei Navalny was poisoned with a Novichok-type chemical nerve agent, which was almost fatal and required months of recovery in a German hospital. This, followed by his disturbing treatment by the Russian authorities and the subsequent violent suppression and mass detention of his supporters, brought to the fore a pattern by the Russian government of increasing internal repression and targeting opposition voices.

Significant open-source evidence makes clear that the attack on Mr. Navalny was undertaken with the involvement of the Russian authorities. Russia continues to deny any involvement in the attack, and has actively promulgated false and contradictory narratives as alternatives. The Russian government has also refused all calls for an investigation into the incident.

Following Mr. Navalny’s return to Russia on January 17, 2021, from his treatment and recovery in Berlin, he was detained for violating the terms of a 2014 suspended jail sentence and died in prison as a result of poisoning with a lethal toxin. In June 2024, Canada announced additional sanctions against the Russian government for its responsibility in the death of Mr. Navalny. The Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights noted that the judgement “defie[d] all credibility and contravene[d] Russia’s international human rights obligations, adding that the original criminal conviction had been found to be “arbitrary and manifestly unreasonable” by the European Court of Human Rights. Mr. Navalny was then sentenced to two years and nine months in a penal colony for violating the terms of his parole while seeking treatment in Germany. This verdict prompted thousands of protesters to take to the street to demand his release in January 2021. In response, Russian law enforcement violently suppressed the demonstrations and detained over 10,000 people for participating in the protests.

Mr. Navalny is not the only individual to have been targeted by the regime for opposition activities. Russia has a demonstrated history of human rights violations, targeting political opponents and critics, and repressing internal dissent, sometimes violently. International and local human rights groups cite reports of multiple incidents of mistreatment committed by law enforcement and correctional bodies, including physical abuse of detainees at the hands of the police, torture or severe mistreatment of inmates in prison colonies, and detention of individuals for association with opposition organizations.

The Russian government is also using legislative measures to suppress opposition voices. In late December 2020, President Putin signed a large number of bills into law, including restrictions on protests, online information, and on individuals and organizations receiving funds from foreign sources for their activities. Civil society space in Russia has continued to shrink, and legal efforts continue to target human rights defenders, and the media. Aggressive state-driven media campaigns discredit the work of civil society, and attacks on civil society actors, as in years, remain frequent.

Actions taken by Canada

Since fall 2021, a significant build-up of troops (est. 150 000-190,000), military equipment, and military capabilities in and around Ukraine has been accompanied by other Russian escalatory behaviour, including hybrid campaign techniques targeting Ukraine. This is in addition to approximately 50,000 Belarusian troops that have been mobilized in early 2022. This aggression directly threatens and imposes significant further costs on Ukraine, and is also a blatant violation of the Minsk Agreements for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Diplomatic engagement had been very active in early 2022, including negotiations along several tracks, including via: (1) U.S.-Russia bilateral talks (e.g., the U.S.-Russia Strategic Stability Dialogue); (2) NATO; (3) the OSCE; and, (4) the Normandy Four format (Ukraine, Russia, Germany, France) for the implementation of the Minsk Agreements.

2026 To this day, Russia continues its full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, and also continues to violate human rights in an aggressive and systematic fashion, in Ukraine, temporarily occupied territories, and Russia. On November 5, 2026, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 24 individuals and 38 entities to Schedule 1, including senior leaders and associated entities supporting the Russian defence industrial base and the supply chains enabling Russia’s ballistic missile capabilities. The listings also target actors involved in illicit shipping networks, financial and cryptocurrency facilitation, and Russian cyber threat activity. Amendments also include an exception for financial services required to obtain legal services for listed vessels in relation to the application of the prohibitions set out in the Russia Regulations and other non-substantive corrections. On September 4, 2026, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 8 individuals to Schedule 1, who have engaged in key activities, in the past or presently, that indirectly or directly facilitate the Russian government’s violation of rights of Ukrainian children, including their unlawful deportation and forcible transfer, indoctrination and militarization. On August 6, 2026, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add one entity to Schedule 1 responsible for supplying military technology and equipment to Russia. On June 12, 2026, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add seven individuals, 34 entities to Schedule 1, including senior leadership and related entities supporting the Russian defense-industrial base and revenue-generating strategic sectors, particularly energy, nuclear services and financial enablers, including cryptocurrency. Canada likewise amended Schedule 1.1 to include 121 vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet. Additionally, Canada repealed subsections 8(3) and 8(4) to support procedural fairness and accountability in the review process, and removed item 197 from Schedule 7 to align with Canada’s policy of not adversely affecting global food supply. On May 8, 2026, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 23 individuals and five entities to Schedule 1. These new measures deter, expose, and condemn human rights violations committed by Russian authorities and their local collaborators during Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine by imposing costs on those involved in the unlawful deportation, forcible transfer, indoctrination, and militarization of Ukrainian children. On March 25, 2026, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 100 vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet to its Schedule 1.1 to further disrupt the network that helps to sustain Russia’s energy revenues through sanctions evasion. Russia relies on this revenue to fund its war efforts. On February 19, 2026, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 21 individuals and 53 entities to Schedule 1, as well as 100 vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet to Schedule 1.1. Canada is also amending Schedule 10.01 to lower the oil price cap (OPC) per barrel on Russian crude oil from US$47.60 to US$44.10. These new measures further increase the economic costs on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine by restricting its energy revenues and financial enablers, including cryptocurrency infrastructure, while also degrading Russia’s conventional and hybrid military capabilities, including its artificial intelligence ecosystem and drone production. Amendments also include non-substantive corrections to Schedule 1.1, and moving an entity listed under Schedule 3 to Schedule 1.

To this day, Russia continues its full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, and also continues to violate human rights in an aggressive and systematic fashion, in Ukraine, temporarily occupied territories, and Russia.

On November 5, 2026, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 24 individuals and 38 entities to Schedule 1, including senior leaders and associated entities supporting the Russian defence industrial base and the supply chains enabling Russia’s ballistic missile capabilities. The listings also target actors involved in illicit shipping networks, financial and cryptocurrency facilitation, and Russian cyber threat activity. Amendments also include an exception for financial services required to obtain legal services for listed vessels in relation to the application of the prohibitions set out in the Russia Regulations and other non-substantive corrections.

On September 4, 2026, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 8 individuals to Schedule 1, who have engaged in key activities, in the past or presently, that indirectly or directly facilitate the Russian government’s violation of rights of Ukrainian children, including their unlawful deportation and forcible transfer, indoctrination and militarization.

On August 6, 2026, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add one entity to Schedule 1 responsible for supplying military technology and equipment to Russia.

On June 12, 2026, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add seven individuals, 34 entities to Schedule 1, including senior leadership and related entities supporting the Russian defense-industrial base and revenue-generating strategic sectors, particularly energy, nuclear services and financial enablers, including cryptocurrency. Canada likewise amended Schedule 1.1 to include 121 vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet. Additionally, Canada repealed subsections 8(3) and 8(4) to support procedural fairness and accountability in the review process, and removed item 197 from Schedule 7 to align with Canada’s policy of not adversely affecting global food supply.

On May 8, 2026, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 23 individuals and five entities to Schedule 1. These new measures deter, expose, and condemn human rights violations committed by Russian authorities and their local collaborators during Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine by imposing costs on those involved in the unlawful deportation, forcible transfer, indoctrination, and militarization of Ukrainian children.

On March 25, 2026, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 100 vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet to its Schedule 1.1 to further disrupt the network that helps to sustain Russia’s energy revenues through sanctions evasion. Russia relies on this revenue to fund its war efforts.

On February 19, 2026, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 21 individuals and 53 entities to Schedule 1, as well as 100 vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet to Schedule 1.1. Canada is also amending Schedule 10.01 to lower the oil price cap (OPC) per barrel on Russian crude oil from US$47.60 to US$44.10. These new measures further increase the economic costs on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine by restricting its energy revenues and financial enablers, including cryptocurrency infrastructure, while also degrading Russia’s conventional and hybrid military capabilities, including its artificial intelligence ecosystem and drone production. Amendments also include non-substantive corrections to Schedule 1.1, and moving an entity listed under Schedule 3 to Schedule 1.

2025 On November 6, 2025, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 11 entities and 13 individuals to Schedule 1, including drone-related systems that support Russia’s conventional military capabilities and Kremlin-linked individuals and entities supplying the cyber infrastructure used in Russian hybrid strategies against Ukraine. Canada also sanctioned two Russian liquified natural gas entities, along with one of the entity’s executives. These sanctions measures also list an additional 100 vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet to Schedule 1.1. On August 28, 2025, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measu res (Russia) Regulations to lower the oil price cap on Russian crude oil and prohibit the provision of certain services related to the maritime transport of Russian crude oil, unless the goods are purchased at or below the revised price cap outlined in Schedule 10.01. On June 13, 2025, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (the Russia Regulations) to add one hundred sixteen (116) new designations of individuals and entities, comprising: forty-five (45) Kremlin enablers and oligarchs, seventeen (17) persons involved in the development of sensitive dual-use quantum technology, thirty-five (35) beneficiaries of the war, an upgraded listing of Russian oil major, fifteen (15) Shadow Fleet enablers, and three (3) banks, including two foreign financial institutions. In addition, Canada further listed two hundred and one (201) new vessels, and expanded Canada’s vessel sanctions to ban all services related to listed vessels. Furthermore, Canada imposed new export bans on a wide range of items, including industrial goods, goods related to chemical and biological weapons and advanced materials – and imposed new import bans on many other items, including coal, metals and goods from which Russia generates revenue. Most of the trade prohibitions include delayed coming into force provisions and prior contracts exceptions to enable sufficient time for industry adjustment. On March 1, 2025, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add ten (10) individuals and twenty-one (21) entities to Schedule 1 of the Regulations that are linked to Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea, and to the continuing violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The activities of these groups are conducted under the guise of the Ministry of Defence and often within formal Russian military formations. These groups, deployed in Ukraine and Africa, continue Wagner’s malicious activities globally and provide an additional lever for the Kremlin in its foreign policy. On February 26, 2025, Canada issued a Special Economic Measures Permit Authorization Order to provide the Minister of Foreign Affairs with the authority to issue both individual and general permits in exceptional cases to allow specified activities or transactions that would otherwise be restricted or prohibited under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA). This Permit Authorization Order is applicable to all Regulations made under the SEMA and repeals all the specific Permit Authorization Orders under each SEMA Regulations. On February 21, 2025, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 76 persons (individuals and entities) to the Regulations including persons both inside and outside Russia, that support the Kremlin’s military-industrial base by supplying or facilitating the transport of military equipment, key technology, materials and electrical components in Russia. These sanctions are also targeting individuals and entities who are responsible for facilitating the increase in military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, specifically actions supporting of the ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. These sanctions also target entities that are controlled by the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation that have used drones against civilian targets, including the former Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. The list of sanctioned persons also includes individuals and entities that are associated with the unlawful deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children within the territories of Ukraine temporarily occupied by Russia, the Kremlin’s information operations capabilities, senior Russian government officials, oligarchs and cronies who support the regime and members of Putin’s family. As well, Canada is updating and expanding the Restricted Goods and Technologies List to align with similar measures implemented by the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States. Canada is also taking action against Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’ by listing 109 vessels based on their involvement in transporting property and goods for the benefit of Russia or persons in Russia. The list includes 92 oil tankers involved in transferring Russian oil to third countries, 9 liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers involved in transferring Russian LNG to third countries, and 8 vessels involved in moving arms and related material to Russia from Iran and North Korea. On February 14, 2025, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add two (2) entities to Schedule 1 of the Regulations that are subsidiaries or affiliates of listed entities and have assisted the Russian government in evading sanctions. Canada also amended two criteria for listing persons under the Regulations: criterion 2a) to clarify that it is sufficient for a person to have engaged in sanctionable conduct at any point to be listed, and; criterion 2g) to clarify that former senior officials of listed entities can be sanctioned and further that the criterion also applies to senior officials of entities listed for conduct that supports the war or for participating in human rights violations.

On November 6, 2025, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 11 entities and 13 individuals to Schedule 1, including drone-related systems that support Russia’s conventional military capabilities and Kremlin-linked individuals and entities supplying the cyber infrastructure used in Russian hybrid strategies against Ukraine. Canada also sanctioned two Russian liquified natural gas entities, along with one of the entity’s executives. These sanctions measures also list an additional 100 vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet to Schedule 1.1.

On August 28, 2025, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measu res (Russia) Regulations to lower the oil price cap on Russian crude oil and prohibit the provision of certain services related to the maritime transport of Russian crude oil, unless the goods are purchased at or below the revised price cap outlined in Schedule 10.01.

On June 13, 2025, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (the Russia Regulations) to add one hundred sixteen (116) new designations of individuals and entities, comprising: forty-five (45) Kremlin enablers and oligarchs, seventeen (17) persons involved in the development of sensitive dual-use quantum technology, thirty-five (35) beneficiaries of the war, an upgraded listing of Russian oil major, fifteen (15) Shadow Fleet enablers, and three (3) banks, including two foreign financial institutions. In addition, Canada further listed two hundred and one (201) new vessels, and expanded Canada’s vessel sanctions to ban all services related to listed vessels. Furthermore, Canada imposed new export bans on a wide range of items, including industrial goods, goods related to chemical and biological weapons and advanced materials – and imposed new import bans on many other items, including coal, metals and goods from which Russia generates revenue. Most of the trade prohibitions include delayed coming into force provisions and prior contracts exceptions to enable sufficient time for industry adjustment.

On March 1, 2025, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add ten (10) individuals and twenty-one (21) entities to Schedule 1 of the Regulations that are linked to Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea, and to the continuing violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The activities of these groups are conducted under the guise of the Ministry of Defence and often within formal Russian military formations. These groups, deployed in Ukraine and Africa, continue Wagner’s malicious activities globally and provide an additional lever for the Kremlin in its foreign policy.

On February 26, 2025, Canada issued a Special Economic Measures Permit Authorization Order to provide the Minister of Foreign Affairs with the authority to issue both individual and general permits in exceptional cases to allow specified activities or transactions that would otherwise be restricted or prohibited under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA). This Permit Authorization Order is applicable to all Regulations made under the SEMA and repeals all the specific Permit Authorization Orders under each SEMA Regulations.

On February 21, 2025, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 76 persons (individuals and entities) to the Regulations including persons both inside and outside Russia, that support the Kremlin’s military-industrial base by supplying or facilitating the transport of military equipment, key technology, materials and electrical components in Russia. These sanctions are also targeting individuals and entities who are responsible for facilitating the increase in military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, specifically actions supporting of the ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. These sanctions also target entities that are controlled by the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation that have used drones against civilian targets, including the former Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. The list of sanctioned persons also includes individuals and entities that are associated with the unlawful deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children within the territories of Ukraine temporarily occupied by Russia, the Kremlin’s information operations capabilities, senior Russian government officials, oligarchs and cronies who support the regime and members of Putin’s family. As well, Canada is updating and expanding the Restricted Goods and Technologies List to align with similar measures implemented by the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States. Canada is also taking action against Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’ by listing 109 vessels based on their involvement in transporting property and goods for the benefit of Russia or persons in Russia. The list includes 92 oil tankers involved in transferring Russian oil to third countries, 9 liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers involved in transferring Russian LNG to third countries, and 8 vessels involved in moving arms and related material to Russia from Iran and North Korea.

On February 14, 2025, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add two (2) entities to Schedule 1 of the Regulations that are subsidiaries or affiliates of listed entities and have assisted the Russian government in evading sanctions. Canada also amended two criteria for listing persons under the Regulations: criterion 2a) to clarify that it is sufficient for a person to have engaged in sanctionable conduct at any point to be listed, and; criterion 2g) to clarify that former senior officials of listed entities can be sanctioned and further that the criterion also applies to senior officials of entities listed for conduct that supports the war or for participating in human rights violations.

2024 On December 9, 2024, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add individuals to Schedule 1 of the Regulations who have been involved in the violation of human rights during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, including through the torture of prisoners of war and civilians held in detention centers in temporarily occupied territories. These persons include officials from the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN), Federal Security Service (FSB), and the National Guard of Russia (Rosgvardia). They also include Ukrainian nationals who have worked with Russian occupying forces since the invasion. Their involvement in torture is well-documented . On October 21, 2024, the Price Cap Coalition published an updated advisory to provide recommendations concerning specific best practices for private sector actors (“industry stakeholders”) involved in the maritime trade of crude oil and refined petroleum products, as well as government stakeholders. On September 24, 2024, the G7 published an updated guidance document for industry on preventing Russian export control and sanctions evasion. On September 1, 2024, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to prohibit the purchase, import, or acquisition of certain diamonds mined or produced in Russia that are exported, processed and/or polished in a third country. The prohibition reduces the size threshold of diamonds banned from 1 carat and higher to 0.5 carats and higher and applies to any person (individual or entity) in Canada as well as Canadians outside of Canada. The prohibitions do not apply to the import of diamonds if they were outside of Russia before the entry into force of the different stages of the G7 ban (legacy diamonds). These measures are in-line with G7 commitments and will complement earlier phases of the G7 ban on Russian diamond imports that have been implemented by G7 member states. These measures take effect on September 1, 2024. On June 13, 2024, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add thirteen (13) individuals to Schedule 1 of the Regulations who have participated in gross and systematic human rights violations in Russia. These persons are senior officials or high-ranking employees in Russia’s investigation agency, penitentiary service and police force who have been involved in the ill-treatment and death of Alexei Navalny. On June 12, 2024, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add eleven (11) individuals and sixteen (16) entities to Schedule 1 of the Regulations, who have been engaged in activities that support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These persons include entities at the core of Russia’s military-industrial complex, entities involved in sanctions circumvention, and individuals and entities identified by RRM Canada who are operating a network of disinformation and propaganda using looted Ukrainian communication equipment in the temporarily occupied territories as well as other Russian disinformation actors inside and outside of Russia. Canada added to Schedule 7 of the Regulations items classified under the World Customs Organization Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System that could be used for military purposes by Russia. On May 16, 2024, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add two (2) individuals and six (6) entities to Schedule 1 of the Regulations who have been engaged in activities that support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including by facilitating the transportation of ammunition, ballistic missiles, and other materiel from North Korea to Russia. The two individuals are senior representatives at companies known to be transporting weapons from North Korea to Russia. The entities are companies that own shipping, air cargo and other logistics capabilities that transfer North Korean cargo, including containers, to military support facilities in Russia. On February 29, 2024, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add six (6) individuals to Schedule 1 of the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (the Regulations) who have participated in gross and systematic human rights violations in Russia. These persons include individuals who are senior officials or high-ranking employees in Russia’s prosecution, judicial and penitentiary services who have been involved in the ill-treatment and death of Alexei Navalny. On February 29, 2024, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to prohibit the purchase, import, or acquisition of certain diamonds mined or produced in Russia that are exported, processed and/or polished in a third country. In particular, the prohibition applies with respect to natural diamonds whose weight is greater than or equal to 1.0 carat and applies to any person (individual or entity) in Canada as well as Canadians outside of Canada. The amendments also include necessary changes to the existing luxury import ban (Part 2 of Schedule 6) in the Russia Regulations to ensure consistency and clarity with the existing import ban on diamond and diamond-related products. This indirect ban is in-line with G7 commitments and will complement the G7 direct ban on Russian diamond imports that has been implemented by G7 member states. On February 21, 2024, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add ten individuals and one hundred fifty-three (153) entities who are subject to a broad dealings ban. They comprise individuals and entities: working on agreements with Iran to evade sanctions (or are related to or associates of individuals undertaking such actions); providing logistical and material support to Russia’s oil sector; and/or providing material support to the Russian military, including insurance services, the supply of goods, and the production of technical components for missiles, drones, and other military technology. Canada added to Schedule 7 of the Regulations items classified under the World Customs Organization Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System that could be used for military purposes by Russia. Finally, Canada aligned the Regulations with the authority under the Special Economic Measures Act to list any persons (individuals or entities) outside of Canada who are not Canadian, by removing the definition of “designated person” and changing in the Regulations the language related to “persons” as defined in the Special Economic Measures Act. On February 1, 2024, Canada and its Price Cap Coalition partners (a group formed by the G7, the European Union, and Australia) issued an alert regarding compliance and enforcement of the Oil Price Cap (OPC). The alert reflects the Coalition’s proactive approach to compliance and enforcement of the OPC. This includes supporting governments and industry to improve compliance with the OPC, identify cases of circumvention and infringements, and take robust action to combat them. The alert provides an overview of OPC evasion methods and offers recommendations for identifying such methods and to mitigate their risks and negative impacts. The alert also provides information on how to report suspected OPC breaches across the Coalition.

On December 9, 2024, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add individuals to Schedule 1 of the Regulations who have been involved in the violation of human rights during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, including through the torture of prisoners of war and civilians held in detention centers in temporarily occupied territories. These persons include officials from the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN), Federal Security Service (FSB), and the National Guard of Russia (Rosgvardia). They also include Ukrainian nationals who have worked with Russian occupying forces since the invasion. Their involvement in torture is well-documented .

On October 21, 2024, the Price Cap Coalition published an updated advisory to provide recommendations concerning specific best practices for private sector actors (“industry stakeholders”) involved in the maritime trade of crude oil and refined petroleum products, as well as government stakeholders.

On September 24, 2024, the G7 published an updated guidance document for industry on preventing Russian export control and sanctions evasion.

On September 1, 2024, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to prohibit the purchase, import, or acquisition of certain diamonds mined or produced in Russia that are exported, processed and/or polished in a third country. The prohibition reduces the size threshold of diamonds banned from 1 carat and higher to 0.5 carats and higher and applies to any person (individual or entity) in Canada as well as Canadians outside of Canada. The prohibitions do not apply to the import of diamonds if they were outside of Russia before the entry into force of the different stages of the G7 ban (legacy diamonds). These measures are in-line with G7 commitments and will complement earlier phases of the G7 ban on Russian diamond imports that have been implemented by G7 member states. These measures take effect on September 1, 2024.

On June 13, 2024, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add thirteen (13) individuals to Schedule 1 of the Regulations who have participated in gross and systematic human rights violations in Russia. These persons are senior officials or high-ranking employees in Russia’s investigation agency, penitentiary service and police force who have been involved in the ill-treatment and death of Alexei Navalny.

On June 12, 2024, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add eleven (11) individuals and sixteen (16) entities to Schedule 1 of the Regulations, who have been engaged in activities that support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These persons include entities at the core of Russia’s military-industrial complex, entities involved in sanctions circumvention, and individuals and entities identified by RRM Canada who are operating a network of disinformation and propaganda using looted Ukrainian communication equipment in the temporarily occupied territories as well as other Russian disinformation actors inside and outside of Russia. Canada added to Schedule 7 of the Regulations items classified under the World Customs Organization Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System that could be used for military purposes by Russia.

On May 16, 2024, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add two (2) individuals and six (6) entities to Schedule 1 of the Regulations who have been engaged in activities that support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including by facilitating the transportation of ammunition, ballistic missiles, and other materiel from North Korea to Russia. The two individuals are senior representatives at companies known to be transporting weapons from North Korea to Russia. The entities are companies that own shipping, air cargo and other logistics capabilities that transfer North Korean cargo, including containers, to military support facilities in Russia.

On February 29, 2024, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add six (6) individuals to Schedule 1 of the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (the Regulations) who have participated in gross and systematic human rights violations in Russia. These persons include individuals who are senior officials or high-ranking employees in Russia’s prosecution, judicial and penitentiary services who have been involved in the ill-treatment and death of Alexei Navalny.

On February 29, 2024, Canada further amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to prohibit the purchase, import, or acquisition of certain diamonds mined or produced in Russia that are exported, processed and/or polished in a third country. In particular, the prohibition applies with respect to natural diamonds whose weight is greater than or equal to 1.0 carat and applies to any person (individual or entity) in Canada as well as Canadians outside of Canada. The amendments also include necessary changes to the existing luxury import ban (Part 2 of Schedule 6) in the Russia Regulations to ensure consistency and clarity with the existing import ban on diamond and diamond-related products. This indirect ban is in-line with G7 commitments and will complement the G7 direct ban on Russian...