Canada imposes additional sanctions against North Korea

On August 11, 2011, Canada imposed additional sanctions against North Korea under the Special Economic Measures Act. These sanctions are in addition to existing sanctions passed under the United Nations Act.

The new Special Economic Measures Regulations provide for the following:

• a ban on all new investment in North Korea;
• a ban on the provision of financial services to North Korea and to persons in North Korea;
• a ban on the provision of technical data to North Korea, and
• a ban on the docking and landing in, and transiting of, Canada by North Korean ships and aircraft.

Some exceptions are available, including the following:

• humanitarian efforts and goods, such as food and medical supplies or equipment;
• stabilization and reconstruction assistance and activities;
• financial or other support provided by the Government of Canada; and
• non-commercial remittances.

In addition, the Special Economic Measures Permit Authorization Order authorizes the Minister of Foreign Affairs to issue to any person in Canada or any Canadian outside Canada a permit to carry out a specified activity or transaction, or any class of activity or transaction, that is restricted or prohibited pursuant to the Regulations.