Exporting military and strategic goods and technology
Military and strategic goods in Canada are identified in the Export Controls List (ECL). This list includes goods and technology that require a permit to export because of foreign policy, defence or national security interests.
Under Canada’s Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA), military and strategic goods are items, software, or technology whose transfer outside Canada is controlled because of their potential impact on national security, defence, or international peace and security.
On this page
- Military goods
- Strategic goods and technology
- Purpose of controls
- Groups of controlled goods
- Notices to importers and exporters: Strategic goods and technology
Military goods
Military goods are those specifically designed or modified for military use. They are primarily listed in Group 2 of the Export Control List (ECL), known as the Munitions List. These include:
- Weapons (firearms, missiles, bombs, ammunition)
- Military vehicles, aircraft, and naval vessels
- Fire control, targeting, and guidance systems
- Military communications and electronic warfare equipment
- Technical data, blueprints, and software directly related to military items
Exports of military goods generally require an export permit, regardless of destination, and are assessed against Canada’s foreign policy, defence or national security interests includinghuman rights obligations.
Strategic goods and technology
Strategic goods are items that are not necessarily military in nature but can have military, security, or weapons-related applications. Most are “dual‑use” items—civilian goods that could be adapted for military or proliferation purposes. These appear mainly in Group 1 and Group 3 of the ECL, covering:
- Advanced electronics, sensors, and materials
- Aerospace and propulsion systems
- Encryption and cybersecurity technologies
- Nuclear-related items
- Certain chemicals and biological materials
Strategic goods are controlled to prevent their use in weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs or to advance military capabilities.
Purpose of controls
Canada controls military and strategic goods to:
- Fulfill international commitments (e.g., Wassenaar Arrangement, Non‑Proliferation Treaty)
- Protect national and allied security
- Prevent contribution to regional instability or human rights abuses
In summary, military goods are inherently military, while strategic goods are sensitive due to their potential misuse, and both are tightly regulated under the EIPA through export permits and compliance requirements.
To apply, you must use the NEXCOL system.
Groups of controlled goods
Controlled military and strategic goods fall into 7 groups under Canada's Export Control List (ECL). Instructions for how to apply for an export or import of these goods are found in the Guide to Canada’s Export Control List.
| Group name | What it covers | Full ECL reference | Application guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dual-use goods and technology | Items that have both commercial and military applications — such as industrial equipment, electronics, and materials that could be repurposed for military use. | Group 1 of the ECL | Dual Use List – Guide to Canada's ECL |
| Nuclear non-proliferation | Equipment, materials, and technology that could be used to develop nuclear weapons — including certain reactors, isotopes, and related components. | Group 3 of the ECL | Nuclear Non-proliferation List – Guide to Canada's ECL |
| Nuclear-related dual-use goods | Items primarily used in civilian industries but capable of contributing to nuclear weapons programs — for example, certain pumps, valves, and measuring instruments. | Group 4 of the ECL | Nuclear-Related Dual Use List – Guide to Canada's ECL |
| Miscellaneous goods and technology | A range of controlled items, including: goods of U.S. origin, nuclear fusion reactors, blinding laser weapons, spacecraft, and items intended for use in chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons programs. | Group 5 of the ECL | Miscellaneous Goods and Technology - Guide to Canada's ECL |
| Missile technology | Equipment and technology that could be used to develop, produce, or deliver missiles capable of carrying weapons of mass destruction — such as certain rocket engines, guidance systems, and propellants. | Group 6 of the ECL | Missile Technology Control Regime List -Guide to Canada's ECL |
| Chemical and biological weapons non-proliferation | Agents, precursors, production equipment, and technology related to chemical and biological weapons — including certain pathogens, toxins, and industrial chemicals that could be weaponized. | Group 7 of the ECL | Chemical and Biological Weapons Non-Proliferation List – Guide to Canada's ECL |
| Arms Trade Treaty | Conventional weapons covered under the international Arms Trade Treaty — including small arms, artillery, armoured vehicles, warships, combat aircraft, and missiles. | Group 9 of the ECL | Arms Trade Treaty –Guide to Canada's ECL |
Notices to importers and exporters: Strategic goods and technology
Global Affairs issues notices to advise Canadian importers and exporters of:
- changes to the EIPA and/or regulations
- new policy positions by the Federal government related to import and export controls
Notices to importers and exporters
- Date modified:
