Export and Import Controls

General

The Convention contains three Schedules, or lists, of chemicals (referred to below as Scheduled chemicals) identified for declaration and verification purposes. Export and import permits are required for all Schedule 1, 2 and 3 chemicals, even when contained in mixtures.

Exports

Schedule 1

Exports of Schedule 1 chemicals as well as of mixtures containing any quantity of a Schedule 1 chemical require individual export permits for all destinations.

Schedule 2 and Schedule 3

Exports of Schedule 2 and 3 chemicals, as well as of most mixtures containing Schedule 2 and 3 chemicals, to any country except the United States are subject to Individual Export Permits. If a mixture contains less than 10% of a Schedule 2 chemical or less than 25% of a Schedule 3 chemical, a General Export Permit applies to most destinations. In the case of exports to the United States of Schedule 2 or 3 chemicals, or mixtures containing them, a General Export Permit applies.

Imports

Schedule 1

All imports of Schedule 1 chemicals, as well as of mixtures containing any quantity of Schedule 1 chemicals, require Individual Import Permits.

Schedule 2 and Schedule 3

Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 chemicals or mixtures containing them, imported from any country are subject to a General Import Permit.

DOCs

There are no trade restrictions for DOCs imposed by the Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act.  Certain chemical weapons precursors not on the CWC Schedules, including some DOCs, may be controlled under the Export and Import Permits Act and require an export permit from the Export Controls Division.

Information of General Application

1. 30 Days advance notification to the OPCW is required from the National Authorities of both States Parties involved in the transfer (export or import) of Schedule 1 chemicals (even when contained in mixtures). To meet this 30 day notification requirement, the Canadian National Authority requires a minimum of 45 days advance notification from anyone planning to export or import Schedule 1 chemicals or mixtures containing them.
2. Schedule 1 chemicals, even if contained in mixtures, cannot be re-transferred to a third State Party and cannot be traded at all with States not party to the Convention.
3. End-use certificates are required for all shipments of Schedule 3 chemicals, even if contained in mixtures, to States not party to the Convention.
4. Shipments of Schedule 2 chemicals, or mixtures containing them, to or from States not party to the Convention are not permitted anymore except for:
   1. products containing one percent or less of a Schedule 2A or 2A* chemical;
   2. containing 10 percent or less of a Schedule 2B chemical;
   3. products identified as consumer goods packaged for retail sale for personal use or packaged for individual use;
5. Details of Canada’s export and import controls, including information on General Export Permits and General Import Permits may be obtained from the Export Controls Division at the following address:

   Export Controls Division (TIE)
   Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
   111 Sussex Drive
   Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2
   Telephone: (613) 996-2387
   Facsimile: (613) 996-9933
   Email: tie.reception@international.gc.ca

Links:

• Export and Import Permits Acts and Regulations - Department of Justice
• Export Controls