Canada Sanctions for Russia and Belarus
Canada Sanctions for Russia and Belarus
In response to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, Canada implemented sanctions against Russia and Belarus. This included the issuance of the Most-Favoured-Nation Tariff Withdrawal Order (2022-1) by the Department of Finance Canada on March 3, 2022.
Latest Updates
Recent actions include the ban on direct imports of Russian diamonds and related products by Global Affairs Canada on December 6, 2023, and the prohibition of Russian Aluminum and Steel imports by the Department of Finance on March 10, 2023.
For a comprehensive overview of all sanctions imposed by Canada on Russia and Belarus, please visit the Government of Canada Canadian Sanctions webpage.Â
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Background
The Most-Favoured-Nation Tariff Withdrawal Order (2022-1) was a direct response to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, supported by Belarus. This measure was in addition to the new sanctions imposed by Canada under the Special Economic Measures Act.
Impact on imported goods:Â
Since March 2, 2022, the General Tariff has been applied to all goods imported into Canada originating from Russia and Belarus, with a 35% customs duty rate applicable on almost all goods. Notably, these are the only countries whose imports are subject to the General Tariff, alongside North Korea.
Exception:
Goods in transit to Canada on or before March 2, 2022, may still be subject to the MFN tariff. CBSA reserves the right to request proof that the goods were in transit including, but not limited to sales orders, purchase orders, shipping documents, report of entry documents, and cargo control documents.
For more information, please refer to the CBSAÂ Customs Notice 22-02.
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Additional Information
Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations
Special Economic Measures (Ukraine) Regulations
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On March 3, 2022, the Department of Finance Canada announced that they issued the Most-Favoured-Nation Tariff Withdrawal Order (2022-1) to remove Russia and Belarus from entitlement to the Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) tariff, under the Customs Tariff of Canada. This was in response to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, supported by Belarus, and in addition to the new sanctions Canada has imposed under the Special Economic Measures Act.
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What is the impact on goods imported from Russia and Belarus?
Effective March 2, 2022, the General Tariff will be used to account all goods imported into Canada that originate from Russia and Belarus, with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Under the General Tariff, a customs duty rate of 35% is applicable on almost all goods. Russia, Belarus, and North Korea are the only countries whose imports are currently subject under the General Tariff.
Exception: The MFN tariff may still be applied to goods that were in transit to Canada on or before March 2, 2022. Proof that the goods were in transit may be requested by the CBSA at any time and would include, but is not limited to, the following documents: sales orders, purchase orders, shipping documents, report of entry documents, and cargo control documents.
For additional details, please read the CBSA Customs Notice 22-02.
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Additional Information