Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations: SOR/2025-142

Canada Gazette, Part II, Volume 159, Number 14

Registration
SOR/2025-142 June 13, 2025

SPECIAL ECONOMIC MEASURES ACT

P.C. 2025-517 June 13, 2025

Whereas the Governor in Council is of the opinion that the actions of the Russian Federation constitute a grave breach of international peace and security that has resulted in a serious international crisis;

Therefore, Her Excellency the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, makes the annexed Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations under paragraph 4(1)(a)footnote a and subsections 4(1.1)footnote b, (2)footnote c and (3) of the Special Economic Measures Act footnote d.

Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations

Amendments

1 Section 3.04 of the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations footnote 1 is renumbered as subsection 3.04(1) and is amended by adding the following after subsection (1):

Services

(2) It is prohibited for any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada to provide, to a person outside Canada who is not Canadian, any services related to a vessel listed in Schedule 1.1.

2 Subsection 3.06(4) of the Regulations is replaced by the following:

Non-application — technologies

(4) Subsection (2) does not apply to

3 Section 4 of the Regulations is amended by adding the following after paragraph (c):

4 (1) The portion of subsection 7(1) of the Regulations before paragraph (a) is replaced by the following:

Disclosure

7 (1) Every person in Canada and every Canadian outside Canada must disclose without delay to the Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or to the Director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service

(2) Section 7 of the Regulations is amended by adding the following after subsection (1):

Exception

(1.1) Despite subsection (1), disclosure is not required in relation to property that came into a person’s possession or control in connection with an activity referred to paragraph 4(c.1) or (c.2).

5 Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Regulations is amended by adding the following in numerical order:

6 Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Regulations is amended by adding the following in numerical order:

7 Schedule 1.1 to the Regulations is replaced by the Schedule 1.1 set out in the schedule to these Regulations.

8 Item 5 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations is repealed.

Application Before Publication

9 For the purpose of paragraph 11(2)(a) of the Statutory Instruments Act, these Regulations apply according to their terms before they are published in the Canada Gazette.

Coming into Force

10 These Regulations come into force on the day on which they are registered.

SCHEDULE

(Section 7)

SCHEDULE 1.1

(Section 2.01, paragraph 3.04(1)(b), subsection 3.04(2) and paragraph 8(1)(b))

Ships
Item IMO number Vessel name Type Build date
1 7612448 Balitiyskiy III General Cargo / Multi Purpose 1980
2 8517839 M/V Maria General Cargo 1986
3 8846814 Musa Jalil General Cargo / Multi Purpose 1989
4 8858087 Skif V General Cargo / Multi Purpose 1984
5 8866591 Valentin Emirov General Cargo 1993
6 8889385 Omskiy 103 General Cargo / Multi Purpose 1978
7 8943210 Begey General Cargo / Multi Purpose 1985
8 9035541 Millerovo Chemical/Products Tanker 1997
9 9087714 Ostrov Russkiy Oil/Chemical Tanker 1994
10 9137648 Caruzo Oil Tanker 1998
11 9144782 Bodhi Oil Tanker 1997
12 9161003 Lady R Ro-Ro Cargo 2004
13 9179842 Angara Ro-Ro Cargo 1998
14 9183295 Neon Oil Tanker 1999
15 9198290 Md Miranda Oil Products Tanker 1999
16 9199127 Koen Oil Tanker 2000
17 9203710 Sv Konstantin General Cargo 2002
18 9205067 Raven Oil Tanker 2001
19 9208069 Stellar Beverly Oil Tanker 2000
20 9208124 Sky Rider Chemical/Products Tanker 2000
21 9209972 Temiro Oil Products Tanker 2000
22 9216298 East Energy LNG Tanker 2002
23 9222560 Cheetah II Oil Products Tanker 2000
24 9224465 Olaf 1 Oil Tanker 2002
25 9227443 Arlan Oil Tanker 2002
26 9229374 Odune Oil Tanker 2002
27 9231509 Trend Oil Tanker 2002
28 9232888 Ksena Oil Tanker 2003
29 9232929 Maisha Oil Tanker 2002
30 9232931 Narcissus Oil Tanker 2003
31 9234501 Sealion I Chemical/Products Tanker 2002
32 9235713 Amber6 Oil Tanker 2003
33 9235725 Fuga Bluemarine Oil Tanker 2003
34 9236353 Blue Oil Tanker 2003
35 9237228 Thane Oil Tanker 2002
36 9240885 East 1 Chemical/Products Tanker 2002
37 9243148 Everest Energy LNG Tanker 2003
38 9247431 Wilma II Oil Tanker 2004
39 9247792 Lalique Oil Tanker 2003
40 9247883 Hatti Oil Tanker 2002
41 9248796 Sprit Oil Products Tanker 2003
42 9248801 Mu Dan Oil Tanker 2003
43 9248849 Silvera Oil Tanker 2004
44 9249128 Sakhalin Oil Tanker 2004
45 9249130 Peace Oil Tanker 2004
46 9249312 Izola Oil Tanker 2001
47 9250531 Python Oil Tanker 2004
48 9250543 Neomi Oil Tanker 2004
49 9250892 Mikati Oil Tanker 2003
50 9251274 Crius Oil Tanker 2003
51 9251456 Daphne I Chemical/Products Tanker 2003
52 9253076 Reus Oil Tanker 2003
53 9253234 Gurudev Chemical/Products Tanker 2003
54 9253313 Arabela Oil Tanker 2003
55 9253325 Nurkez Oil Tanker 2004
56 9255660 Pontus I Oil Tanker 2004
57 9255830 Sea Marine 1 Oil Products Tanker 2003
58 9256602 Pioneer LNG Tanker 2005
59 9257022 Laconia Oil Tanker 2003
60 9258026 Ederra Oil Products Tanker 2003
61 9258167 Akar West Oil Products Tanker 2003
62 9258868 Asher Oil Tanker 2003
63 9258882 Carcharodon Oil Tanker 2003
64 9259185 Daksha Oil Tanker 2002
65 9259733 Yi Tong Oil Tanker 2004
66 9259991 Sezar Chemical/Products Tanker 2003
67 9260823 Fiesta Oil Tanker 2004
68 9261657 C Viking Chemical/Products Tanker 2004
69 9262924 Utaki Oil Tanker 2002
70 9263186 Seal Chemical/Products Tanker 2004
71 9263198 Saint Chemical/Products Tanker 2004
72 9263203 Soul Chemical/Products Tanker 2004
73 9263643 Frunze Oil Tanker 2003
74 9264570 Themis Oil Tanker 2002
75 9265756 Oasis Oil Tanker 2005
76 9265885 Sea Maverick Chemical/Products Tanker 2004
77 9266475 Sauri Oil Products Tanker 2003
78 9270517 Cindy Oil Tanker 2003
79 9270529 Krymsk Oil Tanker 2003
80 9270749 Gauri Oil Products Tanker 2004
81 9271585 Krishna 1 Oil Tanker 2004
82 9271951 Facca Oil Tanker 2004
83 9273052 Alissa Oil Tanker 2003
84 9274434 Sindhu Oil Tanker 2003
85 9274800 Yangtze Oil Tanker 2004
86 9276030 Echo Chemical/Products Tanker 2004
87 9277735 Lunar Tide Oil Products Tanker 2004
88 9277747 Elise Oil Products Tanker 2004
89 9277759 Lea I Oil Products Tanker 2004
90 9278064 Sofos Chemical/Products Tanker 2004
91 9279434 Kapitan Sakharov General Cargo 2004
92 9281011 Moti Oil Tanker 2004
93 9281683 Siri Oil Tanker 2005
94 9281891 Merope Oil Tanker 2003
95 9282479 Minerva M Oil Tanker 2005
96 9282792 Clyde Noble Oil Tanker 2004
97 9282986 Atlanticos Chemical/Products Tanker 2004
98 9283289 Thya Oil Tanker 2005
99 9283291 Tiburon Oil Tanker 2005
100 9284116 Shahismayilkhatai Oil Products Tanker 2005
101 9284726 Bonifacy Oil Products Tanker 2004
102 9285835 Sea Fidelity Oil Tanker 2005
103 9285859 Eastern Pearl Oil Tanker 2006
104 9286657 Lokosao Oil Tanker 2005
105 9288693 Andaman Skies Oil Tanker 2004
106 9288708 Stratos Aurora Oil Tanker 2005
107 9288710 Kudos Stars Oil Tanker 2005
108 9288722 Azure Celeste Oil Tanker 2005
109 9288734 Arabesca Oil Tanker 2005
110 9288746 Udaya Oil Tanker 2005
111 9288899 Lorena Grand Oil Tanker 2005
112 9288930 Pacificos Chemical/Products Tanker 2004
113 9289520 N Cerna Chemical Carrier 2005
114 9289738 Genji Chemical/Products Tanker 2005
115 9289752 Ariadne Oil Tanker 2005
116 9289776 Maisan Oil Products Tanker 2005
117 9290309 Hulda Oil Tanker 2004
118 9290335 Jumbo Oil Tanker 2004
119 9290517 Vayu 1 Chemical/Products Tanker 2005
120 9290828 E Mei Shan Oil Products Tanker 2005
121 9290921 Beast Chemical/Products Tanker 2005
122 9291250 Cortex Oil Tanker 2005
123 9292204 Andromeda Oil Tanker 2005
124 9292503 Bull Oil Tanker 2005
125 9292981 Sagar Violet Oil Tanker 2004
126 9293002 Argent Oil Tanker 2005
127 9293155 Junia Oil Tanker 2005
128 9293959 Fotuo Oil Products Tanker 2006
129 9296391 Peta Lumina Oil Tanker 2006
130 9296406 Rigel Oil Tanker 2006
131 9296822 Sagitta Oil Tanker 2005
132 9297371 Suleyman I Oil Tanker 2006
133 9297888 Cordelia Moon Oil Tanker 2006
134 9299123 Sofia K Oil Tanker 2005
135 9299666 Dashan Oil Tanker 2005
136 9299692 Callisto Oil Tanker 2005
137 9299721 Leona Oil Tanker 2006
138 9299733 Nagarjuna Oil Tanker 2006
139 9299862 Tendua Chemical/Products Tanker 2006
140 9299898 Turbo Voyager Oil Tanker 2005
141 9301380 Pavelchernysh Oil Tanker 2005
142 9301407 Viktortitov Oil Tanker 2005
143 9301419 Yurisenkevich Oil Tanker 2005
144 9301421 Victorkonetsky Oil Tanker 2005
145 9301524 Deneb Oil Tanker 2006
146 9304825 Jaldhara Oil Tanker 2006
147 9305568 Breeze Oil Tanker 2005
148 9306627 Huang He Oil Tanker 2007
149 9306794 Constellation Oil Tanker 2006
150 9307815 Electra Oil Tanker 2005
151 9308443 Ina Oil Tanker 2006
152 9308833 Kusto Oil Tanker 2005
153 9310525 Ionia Oil Tanker 2006
154 9311531 Afkada Oil Tanker 2005
155 9311622 Vanguard Oil Tanker 2006
156 9312884 Kemerovo Oil Tanker 2007
157 9312896 Krasnoyarsk Oil Tanker 2007
158 9313589 Sanar-14 Oil Products Tanker 2004
159 9314167 Agnes Oil Tanker 2007
160 9314882 Himalaya Chemical/Products Tanker 2006
161 9314894 Indras Chemical/Products Tanker 2006
162 9316127 Vega Oil Tanker 2007
163 9317949 Xiwang Oil Tanker 2007
164 9318034 Olive Chemical/Products Tanker 2006
165 9318539 Swiftsea Rider Oil Tanker 2007
166 9318541 Serenade Chemical/Products Tanker 2006
167 9318553 Saga Chemical/Products Tanker 2006
168 9319674 Eastern Glory Oil Tanker 2007
169 9319686 Hu Po Oil Tanker 2008
170 9319703 Great Jacombo Oil Tanker 2008
171 9319870 Maini Oil Tanker 2007
172 9319882 Aryabhata Oil Tanker 2007
173 9321689 Ocean Faye Oil Tanker 2007
174 9321691 Sai Baba Oil Tanker 2006
175 9321706 Mercury Oil Tanker 2006
176 9321847 Emily S Oil Tanker 2006
177 9321976 Heidia Oil Tanker 2007
178 9322827 Pictor Oil Tanker 2006
179 9322956 Prosperity Chemical/Products Tanker 2006
180 9322968 Hyperion Oil Tanker 2007
181 9323376 Marabella Sun Oil Tanker 2007
182 9323986 Garasan Oil Tanker 2007
183 9324277 Nova Energy LNG Tanker 2007
184 9326720 Hera Oil Tanker 2007
185 9327372 Ocean Embrace Oil Tanker 2006
186 9329760 Eagle S Oil Tanker 2006
187 9330604 Nachos Oil Tanker 2007
188 9331141 Kelly Grace Oil Tanker 2006
189 9331153 Delvina Oil Tanker 2007
190 9332781 Lang Ya Oil Tanker 2006
191 9332810 Kiwala Oil Tanker 2007
192 9332822 Nichole Oil Tanker 2007
193 9332834 Wisdoms Daughter Oil Tanker 2007
194 9333400 Noble Oil Products Tanker 2006
195 9333412 Enigma Oil Products Tanker 2007
196 9333424 Phoenix Oil Tanker 2007
197 9333436 Success Oil Tanker 2007
198 9334557 Blue Talu Oil Tanker 2007
199 9335094 Wudi Chemical/Products Tanker 2006
200 9336426 Naxos Oil Tanker 2007
201 9337389 Agni Oil Tanker 2007
202 9337901 Samudra Oil Tanker 2006
203 9338905 Shaanxi Oil Tanker 2007
204 9339325 Liberty Oil Tanker 2007
205 9339337 Legacy Oil Tanker 2008
206 9341067 Kaliningrad Oil Tanker 2006
207 9341079 Capella Oil Tanker 2006
208 9341081 Cassiopeia Oil Tanker 2006
209 9341093 Kolomna Oil Tanker 2006
210 9345623 Ru Yi Oil Tanker 2008
211 9346720 Kira K Oil Tanker 2007
212 9346732 Huihaipacific Oil Tanker 2007
213 9346744 Ma Jin Oil Tanker 2007
214 9346873 Aquarius II Oil Tanker 2008
215 9348479 Lucky Fairy Oil Tanker 2006
216 9352195 Sandhya Chemical/Products Tanker 2007
217 9353096 Madhav Chemical Carrier 2008
218 9353113 Jun Ma Oil Tanker 2008
219 9353125 Chandra Chemical/Products Tanker 2008
220 9354301 Jaguar Oil Tanker 2008
221 9354313 Zaliv Amurskiy Oil Tanker 2008
222 9358010 Maia-1 General Cargo 2006
223 9360128 Zalivbaikal Oil Tanker 2009
224 9360130 Zalivvostok Oil Tanker 2009
225 9360415 Indus 1 Chemical/Products Tanker 2007
226 9368223 Achilles Oil Tanker 2008
227 9368235 Fu Hai Wan Oil Tanker 2008
228 9368340 Mys Dezhneva General Cargo 2008
229 9374868 Elephant Oil Tanker 2007
230 9378620 Ganga Oil Tanker 2008
231 9379052 Ocean Autumn Oil Products Tanker 2009
232 9382798 Trust Oil Tanker 2008
233 9384435 Ji Li I Chemical/Products Tanker 2008
234 9384447 Ji Shun Chemical/Products Tanker 2009
235 9384459 Ji Xiang Chemical/Products Tanker 2010
236 9388742 Surya Oil Tanker 2008
237 9388766 Destan Oil Tanker 2008
238 9388780 Bai Lu Oil Tanker 2009
239 9388792 Unity Oil Tanker 2009
240 9394935 Ozanno Oil Tanker 2008
241 9397559 Aria Chemical/Products Tanker 2008
242 9397676 Nasimi Oil Products Tanker 2006
243 9402469 Freda Oil Tanker 2009
244 9402471 Apar Oil Tanker 2009
245 9404948 Chen Lu Oil Tanker 2009
246 9405057 Tai Shan Oil Tanker 2008
247 9408205 Fast Kathy Oil Tanker 2010
248 9409467 Pravasi Oil Tanker 2008
249 9410870 HS Everett Oil Tanker 2008
250 9410894 Valour Oil Tanker 2009
251 9411020 Bratsk Other 2009
252 9412335 Bolero Oil Tanker 2010
253 9412347 Leo Oil Tanker 2011
254 9412359 Belgorod Oil Tanker 2010
255 9413547 Altair Oil Tanker 2009
256 9413559 Antarktika Oil Tanker 2009
257 9413561 Alliance Oil Tanker 2009
258 9413573 Atlas Oil Tanker 2009
259 9418494 Zaliv Aniva Oil Tanker 2009
260 9420617 Zangazur Oil Tanker 2010
261 9421960 Primorye Oil Tanker 2009
262 9421972 Saturn Oil Tanker 2010
263 9422445 Sirius Oil Tanker 2009
264 9422457 Blossom Oil Tanker 2010
265 9428358 Xue Song Chemical/Products Tanker 2009
266 9436006 Samsun Oil Tanker 2009
267 9436018 Venetians Oil Tanker 2009
268 9436941 Yi Meng Shan Oil Tanker 2010
269 9437983 Cai Yun Oil Tanker 2010
270 9481910 Port Olya 3 General Cargo / Multi Purpose 2011
271 9511387 Olympus Oil Tanker 2010
272 9511521 Meridian Oil Tanker 2010
273 9511533 Primavera Oil Tanker 2010
274 9513139 Fearless Oil Tanker 2011
275 9522324 Sierra Oil Tanker 2011
276 9544281 Corum Oil Tanker 2010
277 9550682 Xing Chen Oil Tanker 2009
278 9577082 Premier Oil Products Tanker 2011
279 9577094 Pathfinder Oil Tanker 2011
280 9599341 Jupiter I Oil Products Tanker 2011
281 9599353 Venus III Oil Products Tanker 2011
282 9610781 Zenith Oil Tanker 2012
283 9610793 Georgy Maslov Oil Tanker 2012
284 9610808 Anatoly Kolodkin Oil Tanker 2013
285 9610810 Viktor Bakaev Oil Tanker 2013
286 9630004 Velikiy Novgorod LNG Tanker 2014
287 9655470 Saturn I Oil Products Tanker 2013
288 9737187 Christophe De Margerie LNG Tanker 2016
289 9741724 Alara Bulk Carrier 2015
290 9763837 Audax Heavy Load Carrier 2016
291 9763849 Pugnax Heavy Load Carrier 2016
292 9778313 Marshal Vasilevskiy LNG Tanker 2018
293 9784893 Lady Rania Chemical/Products Tanker 2015
294 9826902 Galaxy Oil Tanker 2019
295 9830769 Hunter Star Heavy Lift Vessel 2018
296 9842188 Vladimirvinogradov Oil Tanker 2022
297 9843560 Voyager Oil Tanker 2022
298 9849887 La Perouse LNG Tanker 2020
299 9864837 Mulan LNG Tanker 2024
300 9866380 Okeanskyprospect Oil Tanker 2022
301 9897690 Pola Anastasia General Cargo 2020
302 9901025 Vladimirarsenyev Oil Tanker 2022
303 9901037 Nikolayzadornov Oil Tanker 2022
304 9903827 Pola Yaroslava General Cargo 2020
305 9915090 Saam Fsu FSO Gas Unit 2023
306 9915105 Koryak Fsu FSO Gas Unit 2023
307 9953509 North Air LNG Tanker 2023
308 9953511 North Mountain LNG Tanker 2023
309 9953523 North Sky LNG Tanker 2024
310 9953535 North Way LNG Tanker 2024

REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS STATEMENT

(This statement is not part of the Regulations.)

Issues

On February 24, 2022, Russian forces initiated a comprehensive unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. Russia continues its war against Ukraine, blatantly violating international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

To discourage these behaviours and practices, the Government of Canada is imposing additional economic measures on those responsible for the above actions and practices.

Background

On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated an unprovoked full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, launching combined attacks (from land, air, and sea) on many cities, in violation of the United Nations (UN) Charter and international law. Three and a half years later, Russia continues to wage a war of aggression against Ukraine, and to commit atrocities against Ukrainians.

Experts from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Moscow Mechanism fact-finding missions, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights have concluded that Russia is committing serious human rights violations, war crimes, possible crimes against humanity, and conflict-related sexual violence. As of April 2025, the UN human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine has confirmed at least 13 134 civilians have been killed and over 31 867 were injured since February 24, 2022. Furthermore, 790 medical facilities and 1 670 educational facilities in Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed by Russia’s military since the invasion.

To fund its unjustified war in Ukraine, the Kremlin has reshaped its economy, making its growth dependent on military spending. Russia has also de facto expropriated, under the guise of “temporary management,” the property of foreign firms citing Western sanctions as a pretext. Although those firms ceased their operations in Russia as a result of the war against Ukraine, the Kremlin obstructed them from leaving by imposing bureaucratic hurdles, demanding asset sales, and seizing properties. The owners were therefore forced to sell their assets at significant discounts. The Kremlin reportedly allocated a portion of the sale price to strengthening the Russian government’s financial reserves.

Many Kremlin loyalists have profited from the support of the invasion, including by managing the assets of foreign companies transferred to them by President Putin. Russian industrialists, corrupt government officials and their families continue to benefit from their relations with the Kremlin and engage in activities that support Russia’s unjustified war.

Despite extensive sanctions on the Russian financial sector, Russia has continued to be able to move funds out of the country to pay for arms and related material, and to move funds into the country as payment for exports of energy products. This has in part been accomplished through the use of banks in intermediary jurisdictions (foreign financial institutions [FFIs]). Several countries have taken action against at least one FFI for intentionally facilitating cross-border payments and continue to take measures to restrict the role of Russian banks as intermediaries.

Oil and gas revenue has traditionally constituted a significant percentage of Russia’s total government revenue. Although economic measures taken by partners, including G7 members, in response to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine have caused real hardship for the Russian government and have reduced the revenues available to fund the ongoing war, oil and gas revenues continue to account for roughly 30% of all Russian government revenues.

To evade and circumvent sanctions, especially those on its oil and gas exports, Russia has increasingly made use of a shadow fleet — a network of vessels and various supporting entities around the world — to transport sanctioned goods and commodities. These vessels often intentionally disable or manipulate their automatic identification systems; they have substandard maintenance; they frequently change ownership in a covert manner; they have inadequate insurance coverage and they engage in dangerous ship-to-ship transfers, mislabelling or blending the cargoes for re-export, often in free trade zone ports to avoid foreign jurisdictions.

International response

A coalition of countries directly supporting Ukraine includes, but is not limited to, G7 and European countries. This group is working to support Ukraine across several areas, including contributing to energy security, nuclear safety, food security, humanitarian assistance, combatting Russian disinformation, imposing sanctions and economic measures, asset seizure and forfeiture, providing military assistance, ensuring accountability, and fostering socio-economic recovery and reconstruction.

Key international partners have continued to update their sanction regimes to increase pressure on Russia through coordinated efforts towards these ends. Certain countries have not participated in sanctions efforts targeting Russia in the wake of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and appear to be directly and indirectly supplying goods and services that would otherwise be prohibited by coordinated international sanctions.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution “A.1192(33) Urging Member States and all relevant stakeholders to promote actions to prevent illegal operations in the maritime sector by the ’dark fleet’ or ’shadow fleet’,” calls on states to take a range of actions to prevent this type of activity. Canada has signed a United Kingdom-led “Call to Action” on the shadow fleet, which has been signed by 50 other states. The international coalition supporting Ukraine has increased efforts to counter the shadow fleet by enhancing maritime surveillance, sanctioning vessels involved, and undertaking outreach with industry, flag states and port states.

Canada’s response

Canada unequivocally condemns Russia’s unjustified and egregious actions. Following Russia’s unjustified occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea in March 2014, the Government of Canada, in tandem with like-minded countries, enacted sanctions through the regulations under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA). These sanctions impose dealings prohibitions (an effective asset freeze) on listed individuals and entities supporting or enabling Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty. Any person in Canada and Canadians outside Canada are prohibited from dealing in the property of, entering into transactions with, providing services to, or otherwise making goods available to persons listed under schedules 1, 2 or 3 of the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (the Russia Regulations). In addition, Canada has put in place a wide range of other economic restrictions under the Russia Regulations. These include a prohibition on certain types of ships entering or passing through Canada. In February 2025, to support enforcement of this general prohibition, Schedule 1.1 was established to list ships specially, identified by their International Maritime Organization (IMO) number.

Since 2014, in coordination with its partners, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 3 000 individuals and entities in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova, and has listed 109 vessels. This includes sanctions addressing Russian networks in third countries, as well as entities that are supporting Russia in these regions. Canada has also implemented targeted restrictions against Russia and Belarus in financial, trade (goods and services) and transport sectors. Canada is part of the G7 diamond import ban and ongoing efforts to use the proceeds from Russian sovereign assets to help Ukraine. Canada is steadfast in its commitment to support Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, and its efforts towards a just and sustainable peace.

Given the importance of oil and gas revenues to Russia’s economy and its war effort, Canada and G7 partners have sought to limit Russian access to revenue from the energy sector through various measures. Canada is part of the Oil Price Cap Coalition. Canada prohibits the import of any Russian crude oil, refined petroleum products and gaseous hydrocarbons, as well as the export of goods related to oil exploration and production and related services. Canada also prohibits the provision of services related to the marine transport of oil purchased above the oil price cap. Finally, Canada prohibits a wide range of services from being provided in relation to the Russian energy, manufacturing and transportation sectors.

Since 2022, Canada’s regulations have banned certain ships from docking in or passing through Canada. This applies to ships 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 listed person. This prohibition aims to prevent Russia from benefiting from maritime trade with Canada. In March 2025, Canada amended the Russia Regulations by adding a new schedule containing a list of ships that are believed to be transporting or have transported property or goods on behalf of or for the benefit of Russia or a person in Russia. This amendment aimed to improve enforcement of the existing docking and passage prohibitions.

Objective

  1. Expose and sanction Russian industrialists and corrupt government officials, as well as their families, who are profiting from and instrumental in supporting the Kremlin’s unjustified war in Ukraine;
  2. Disrupt Russia’s ability to use international financial transactions to continue to acquire arms and materiel and sell oil and gas;
  3. Curtail Russia’s revenue from its oil and gas exploration and production;
  4. Disrupt the sanctions circumvention efforts of the Russian “shadow fleet,” including the covert transport of sanctioned goods and technologies, and promote adherence to international maritime law and standards; and
  5. Provide stronger and more effective measures in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine as well as its actions abroad in furtherance of its objectives in Ukraine, by coordinating Canada’s measures with those taken by international partners.

Description

The Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (the amendments) add 29 individuals and 24 entities to Schedule 1 of the Russia Regulations. The individuals include some of the wealthiest Russian industrialists involved in supporting Putin’s war efforts and maintaining Russia’s kleptocratic regime, as well as senior government officials and their family members. This also includes entities that have benefited from the expropriation of Russian property from foreign manufacturers who have ceased operations in Russia in protest of the regime; financial institutions inside and outside of Russia that have facilitated the international financial transactions that help Russia to fund its war of aggression; as well as entities in the oil and gas industry who are enabling shadow fleet activities (shipping, insurance, operators).

The amendments also move OJSC Surgutneftegas, a major Russian oil and natural gas producer, currently listed under Schedule 3 of the Russia Regulations to Schedule 1. This will subject this entity to the full dealings ban.

Any person in Canada or Canadians outside Canada are prohibited from dealing in the property of, entering into transactions with, providing services to, transferring property to, or otherwise making goods available to listed individuals and entities (persons) — unless explicitly authorized by a permit granted on an exceptional basis or an exception in the Russia Regulations. Listed individuals are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). Under the Russia Regulations, listed persons may apply to the Minister of Foreign Affairs to have their name removed from the Schedule of designated persons. The Minister must determine whether there are reasonable grounds to make a recommendation to the Governor in Council for removal. Information on the delisting application process is available on Global Affairs Canada’s website.

The amendments also add 201 vessels to Schedule 1.1 of the Russia Regulations. The ships listed have been involved in the transport of goods (such as crude oil, liquified natural gas, or arms and related material) on behalf of or for the benefit of Russia or a person in Russia. All of these ships have been subject to sanctions by at least one of the following like-minded nations: the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union.

The amendments create an additional prohibition on 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 Russia Regulations. This will ensure that Canadians cannot facilitate the activities of these ships.

Furthermore, the amendments add two exceptions to the Russia Regulations:

  1. A diplomatic exception to allow a range of Canadian persons or persons in Canada to undertake activities prohibited under the Russia Regulations, including activities by or for the benefit of the mission itself and activities required for daily life and of a personal nature carried out by or for the benefit of Canadian staff, their families and visiting family members.
  2. An exception to enable Canadian engine manufacturers to share technical data for the purpose of setting international aviation emissions standards with the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) located in Montreal. The types of technical information to be shared include aircraft and engine emissions data, as well as noise data.

Regulatory development

Consultation

Global Affairs Canada regularly engages with relevant stakeholders, including civil society organizations and cultural communities and other like-minded governments regarding Canada’s approach to sanctions implementation.

New sanctions measures are not prepublished in the Canada Gazette, Part I, and public consultation would not have been appropriate for these amendments. Publicizing the names of the listed persons targeted by sanctions could have resulted in asset flight and sanctions evasion prior to the coming into force of the amendments, which could compromise Canada’s foreign policy objectives.

Modern treaty obligations and Indigenous engagement and consultation

In accordance with the Cabinet Directive on the Federal Approach to Modern Treaty Implementation, an analysis was undertaken to determine whether the amendments are likely to give rise to modern treaty obligations. The assessment examined the geographic scope and subject matter of the amendments in relation to modern treaties in effect and no modern treaty obligations were identified.

Instrument choice

The imposition of sanctions against foreign states and non-state actors is a key tool for the international community to support peace and security and enforce international norms and laws. The Parliament of Canada has enacted legislation authorizing the imposition of sanctions through the United Nations Act, the Special Economic Measures Act, and the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law).

Canada has established a rigorous due diligence process to consider and evaluate possible cases that may warrant the use of sanctions. Given the elements in the package, the SEMA was identified as the instrument of choice.

Sanctions measures under the SEMA are imposed by the Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, through a regulatory process. Regulations are therefore the only available legal instrument for the amendments. No other instrument could be considered.

Regulatory analysis

Benefits and costs

These amendments to the Russia Regulations will strengthen existing economic measures against Russia, constrain Russia’s ability to finance and resource its unjustified war in Ukraine, and discourage individuals and entities from contributing, directly or indirectly, to Russia’s war efforts. By imposing these sanctions, Canada signals its strong condemnation of Russia’s ongoing behaviour.

The incremental cost to the Government of Canada to administer and enforce these additional prohibitions will be minimal. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and other departments and agencies may incur a small cost to update their relevant systems to include the persons and vessels listed through these amendments.

Canadian banks and financial institutions are required to comply with sanctions. They will do so by adding the newly listed individuals, entities and ships to their existing monitoring systems, which will also result in a minor compliance cost. As of August 2024, financial institutions must report transactions suspected of being related to sanctions evasion to the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC). Financial institutions also have other legal obligations with respect to monitoring and reporting of relevant property ownership, export and import of goods and other activities in connection with sanctioned individuals and entities.

Sanctions targeting specific persons have less impact on Canadian businesses than traditional broad-based economic sanctions, and such amendments have more limited impact on the citizens of the country of the listed persons. Based on an initial assessment of available open-source information and consultations within the Government of Canada, it is believed that the individuals and entities listed have limited linkages with Canada and therefore do not have business dealings that are significant to the Canadian economy. It is therefore anticipated that there will be no significant impacts on Canadians and/or Canadian businesses as a result of these amendments.

The amendments related to the listing of vessels are also not expected to result in incremental impacts on Canada. Since 2022, Canada’s Russia Regulations have banned certain ships from docking in or passing through Canada. This applies to all ships 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 listed person. While the amendments do not introduce new prohibitions, listing the vessels will facilitate enforcement of the general prohibition on docking and passage in Canada. Without the names of the vessels in the Schedule, enforcement authorities must determine on a case-by-case basis whether a vessel is subject to the general prohibition. The Schedule provides a predetermination of status for a category of vessels that can be used to identify them for purposes of denying them docking and passage.

In relation to the prohibition on the provision of services to vessels, all Canadian companies providing services related to vessels such as insurance, technical services or ship supply services will be required to screen against Schedule 1.1, to ensure that they are not providing a service in relation to a listed vessel. There are no data available to ascertain if any Canadian businesses are currently providing services in relation to listed vessels. However, Global Affairs Canada has concluded that it is highly unlikely that any Canadian businesses currently provide such services, as there is no record of these vessels entering Canada, and none of the vessels are owned, managed, operated or insured by Canadian companies.

Small business lens

Analysis under the small business lens concludes that the amendments could impact Canadians small businesses. The amendments listing new individuals and entities do not impose any new compliance or administrative burden on small businesses in Canada. However, these amendments prohibit Canadian businesses from dealing with, providing services to, or otherwise making goods available to the listed persons, but do not create obligations related to them.

Canadian businesses may seek permits under the Special Economic Measures Permit Authorization Order to allow them to perform a specified activity with a listed person. Those permits are granted on an exceptional basis. However, Global Affairs Canada does not anticipate any applications resulting from listing these persons or ships as the Department’s assessment has not identified business dealings that are significant to Canada’s economy.

Canadian small businesses are also subject to the duty to disclose under the Russia Regulations, which would represent a direct compliance requirement. However, as the newly listed individuals, entities and ships have no known legitimate linkages with Canada, Global Affairs Canada does not anticipate any disclosures resulting from the amendments.

One-for-one rule

The one-for-one rule does not apply, as there is no incremental change in administrative burden on business. The permitting process for businesses meets the definition of “administrative burden” in the Red Tape Reduction Act. However, while permits may be granted under the Special Economic Measures Permit Authorization Order on an exceptional basis, given the minimal level of trade with Russia, Global Affairs Canada does not anticipate any permit applications with respect to the amendments.

Regulatory cooperation and alignment

While the amendments are not related to a work plan or commitment under a formal regulatory cooperation forum, they align with actions taken by Canada’s partners and like-minded partners. Sanctions are most effective when they are applied in a coordinated manner and Canada is working to harmonize efforts internally, and with partners, to facilitate a unified front on sanctions.

Canada’s international partners continue to update their sanctions regimes against individuals and entities in Russia and enforce far-reaching financial, trade and investment prohibitions on Russia. Countries and jurisdictions that have sanctioned individuals and entities related to Russia’s gross and systematic violations of human rights, as well as infringing of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, include Australia, the European Union, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. The persons and vessels proposed for listing in the amendments have been subject to sanctions by like-minded nations. These measures also align with Canada’s commitment following the signature of the United Kingdom-led “Call to Action” on the shadow fleet. In addition, the United States, European Union and United Kingdom all prohibit wider categories of activity including services in relation to listed ships.

International obligations

Compliance with Canada’s international commitments was considered in the development of these amendments.

Effects on the environment

The amendments are unlikely to result in important environmental effects. In accordance with the Cabinet Directive on Strategic Environmental and Economic Assessment (SEEA Directive), a preliminary scan concluded that a strategic environmental and economic assessment is not required.

Gender-based analysis plus

None of the newly listed individuals have Canadian citizenship; as a result, the scope of the gender-based analysis plus (GBA+) is limited.

The subject of economic sanctions has previously been assessed for effects on gender and diversity. Although intended to facilitate a change in behaviour through economic pressure on individuals and entities in foreign states, sanctions under the SEMA can nevertheless have an unintended impact on certain vulnerable groups and individuals. Rather than affecting Russia as a whole, these targeted sanctions impact individuals believed to be engaged in activities that directly or indirectly support, provide funding for or contribute to a violation of the sovereignty or territorial integrity of Ukraine. Therefore, these sanctions are unlikely to have a significant impact on vulnerable groups as compared to traditional broad-based economic sanctions directed towards a state. In so far as sanctions limit Russia’s ability to wage war, individuals and groups vulnerable to gender-based discrimination are likely to benefit from these measures.

Implementation, compliance and enforcement, and service standards

The amendments come into force on the day they are registered.

Consequential to being listed in the Russia Regulations, and pursuant to the application of paragraph 35.1(b) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the listed individuals would be inadmissible to Canada.

The names of the listed individuals and entities will be available online for financial institutions to review and will be added to the Consolidated Canadian Autonomous Sanctions List. This will help persons in Canada and Canadians outside of Canada to comply with the amendments.

The Trade Commissioner Service at Global Affairs Canada, abroad and in Canada, continues to assist clients in understanding Canadian sanctions regulations, and notably the impact of the regulations on any activities in which Canadians may be engaged. Global Affairs Canada is also increasing outreach efforts across Canada through presentations and other events — including to engage with businesses, universities, and provincial/territorial governments — to enhance national awareness of and compliance with Canadian sanctions.

The prohibitions on ships entering or passing through Canada are enforced by a multi-departmental process involving Transport Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, the CBSA, the RCMP and others. These partners were consulted in the development of the amendments.

Under the SEMA, both RCMP and CBSA officers have the power to enforce sanctions violations through their authorities as defined under the Customs Act, the Excise Act or the Excise Act, 2001, and sections 487 to 490, 491.1 and 491.2 of the Criminal Code.

In accordance with section 8 of the SEMA, every person who knowingly contravenes or fails to comply with the Russia Regulations is liable, upon summary conviction, to a fine of not more than $25,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year, or to both: or, upon conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years.

Contact

Global Affairs Canada
Sanctions Bureau
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G2
Telephone (toll-free): 1‑833‑352‑0769
Telephone (local): 343‑203‑3975
Fax: 613‑995‑9085
Email: sanctions@international.gc.ca