Arms Trade Treaty regulatory implementation expected soon

New Canadian rules define brokering, refine assessment criteria and raise penalties for violations.

In order to join the international Arms Trade Treaty the Government of Canada enacted Bill C-47, An Act to amend the Export and Import Permits Act and the Criminal Code in December 2018.

Several proposed regulations were published in the Canada Gazette on March 16, defining the future rules that will be implemented to meet the Treaty’s requirements.

The legislative and regulatory changes will, within other things:

  • establish controls over brokering in military goods between two countries outside of Canada

  • create a legal obligation for the minister of foreign affairs to consider certain assessment criteria before authorizing permits

  • increase the maximum fine from $25,000 to $250,000 for summary conviction offences

Stakeholders are encouraged to review the proposed regulations and to provide comments until April 15, 2019. Officials will review and consider all comments and may make some adjustments to the package of final regulations. Global Affairs Canada expects the entry into force to take place during summer 2019.

Link: Overview of the Arms Trade Treaty regulatory implementation package