Trade with Russia and Belarus - Russian invasion of Ukraine
On February 24, 2022, without provocation, Russian forces, with the support of the Belarusian regime, initiated a comprehensive invasion of Ukraine. This unjustifiable, hostile act is a blatant violation of international law and the rules-based international order, and has created significant disruptions to international trade.
Canadian companies engaging in commercial activities in Russia or with Russian entities should consider seeking legal advice.
Refer to regulations and be aware of activities that may contravene a Canadian sanction law:
For sanctions-specific questions, please contact sanctions@international.gc.ca.
Canada is the first country to revoke Russia’s and Belarus’s Most-Favoured-Nation status as a trading partner under Canadian law. This means that Russia and Belarus will no longer receive the benefits – particularly low tariffs – that Canada offers to other countries that are fellow members of the World Trade Organization. A tariff rate of 35 per cent now applies to virtually all imports.
Trade services at the Embassy of Canada to Russia in Moscow have also been significantly impacted.
Canadian companies with business continuity concerns can find more information on Doing business in Ukraine.
Export controls
On February 24, 2022, Canada announced restrictions on exports to Russia. Canada stopped the issuance of new export permit applications and cancelled valid existing export permits for controlled goods and technology to Russia. Permits are required for the export and brokering of goods and technology controlled under Canada’s Export and Import Permits Act.
Canada’s Export Control List identifies specific goods and technology that are controlled for export from Canada to other countries, regardless of their means of delivery. Canada will continue to monitor the evolving situation and may reassess its export controls policy toward Russia in light of changes on the ground.
Related links
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Canada-Ukraine relations
- Doing Business in Russia
- Advisory to Canadian Businesses on Canada’s Sanctions Related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine – Russian invasion of Ukraine
- About consular services
- Large-scale emergencies outside Canada
- Trade Data Online
- Sanctions
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