Global Affairs Canada has received reports of complications related to the importation into Canada of goods of Russian origin that are listed in Schedule 13 of the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (the Russia Regulations), including when such goods are shipped from third countries. 
 
The prohibitions on importing the revenue-generating goods listed in Schedule 13 entered into force on June 13, 2025 as part of broader amendments to the Russia Regulations. 
 
In some cases, during the customs process in Canada, goods were identified as Russian origin and were subsequently detained by CBSA. In others, customs brokers and/or vendors advised Canadian customers of the prohibition before the purchase was completed.  
 
Non-Canadian vendors outside Canada are not subject to Canada’s sanctions regime. Responsibility for complying with Canada’s sanctions regulations rests with persons (individuals or entities) in Canada and Canadian persons outside Canada, including when importing goods from countries not directly subject to sanctions.
 
Global Affairs Canada recommends that stakeholders seeking to import goods confirm, prior to purchase, whether the goods are prohibited under the Canada’s sanctions regime and verify the origin of the goods with the vendor.
 
As each circumstance is specific and may engage sanctions obligations in a different way, it is important to carefully review the applicable sanctions regulations before undertaking any activity. Global Affairs Canada does not provide legal advice to the public and is unable to confirm if a particular activity or transaction is permitted under Canadian sanctions. Persons in Canada and Canadian persons outside Canada should therefore ensure compliance with Canadian sanctions, including by consulting private legal counsel, as required.
 
For more information and guidance on import and export prohibitions related to Canada’s sanctions, see Canadian sanctions – Export and import restrictions.
 
For export controls information, please consult the Export controls webpage.