Canada Expands Iran Sanctions List Under SEMA

Trade Update • April 12, 2026

Key Points

  • Canada amends the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations under SOR/2026-60.
  • Five individuals and four entities are added to Schedule 1 of Canada’s Iran sanctions list.
  • Listed parties are linked to procurement networks supporting military-related technology and weapons production.
  • Canadians are prohibited from dealing with listed individuals and entities or providing related services.
  • Listed individuals may be deemed inadmissible to Canada under immigration law.
Canadian and Iranian flags torn apart, symbolizing Canada’s expanded sanctions on Iran under SEMA

C​​​​​​​​​​anada has amended its Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations to expand sanctions against individuals and entities tied to Iran’s military and procurement networks. The March 25, 2026 update reflects rising international concern over Iran’s supply of drones, missiles, and related technologies used in conflicts across the Middle East and in support of Russia’s war in Ukraine. The measures align with actions taken by allied countries to address destabilizing activities while limiting broader economic disruption. The newly listed parties are associated with Iran’s defence production and technology transfer systems, reinforcing Canada’s use of targeted sanctions as a foreign policy tool.

New Entities and Individuals Added

The amendment adds five individuals and four entities linked to procurement networks tied to Iran’s military and defense supply chains.

Entities

  • Chekad Sanat Faraz Asia (also known as Shakad Sanat Asmari)
  • Saad Sazah Faraz Sharif (also known as Sadid Sazeh Parvaz Sharif and Daria Fanavar Borhan Sharif)
  • Kimia Part Sivan Company (KIPAS)
  • Sarmad Electronic Sepahan Company

Individuals

  • Ehsan Imaninejad
  • Hadi Zahourian
  • Mohammad Shahab Khanian
  • Ehsan Rahat Varnosfadrani
  • Rahmatollah Heidari

What do the sanctions prohibit?

Under the regulations, any person in Canada or Canadian outside Canada is prohibited from:

  • Dealing in property of listed persons
  • Entering into transactions with listed persons
  • Providing financial or related services
  • Making goods available to listed persons

Trade and Business Impact

Limited Domestic Impact

  • Newly listed parties have minimal commercial ties to Canada
  • No significant disruption expected for Canadian trade flows
  • Compliance costs for financial institutions remain low and administrative

Business Obligations

  • Canadian firms must avoid all dealings with listed entities
  • Reporting obligations remain in place under existing regulations
  • No anticipated increase in permit applications

Enforcement and Compliance

  • Enforced by Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
  • Violations may result in:
    • Fines up to $25,000
    • Imprisonment up to 5 years
  • Listings will be added to Canada’s consolidated sanctions database for monitoring

How GHY Can Help?

GHY specializes in helping businesses navigate and reduce the impacts of tariffs through strategic solutions tailored to their needs. Our experts can audit your supply chain to identify inefficiencies, uncover cost-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with evolving trade regulations. We also employ tariff engineering techniques to optimize product classification and sourcing strategies, minimizing duty exposure and maximizing profitability.

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