Canada Imposes Additional Sanctions on Russia
Trade Update • April 12, 2026
Key Points
- Canada amends Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations under SOR/2026-61, effective March 25, 2026.
- Measures add 100 vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet used for oil and sanctioned cargo transport.
- Listings include oil tankers, chemical carriers, and bulk cargo vessels identified through IMO numbers.
- Canadian persons and entities are prohibited from providing services to listed vessels.
- Action aligns with coordinated sanctions efforts among G7 partners.
Through SOR/2026-61 issued on March 25, 2026, Canada has amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations under SOR/2026-61, adding 100 vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet. The listed ships include oil tankers, chemical carriers, and cargo vessels used in transporting oil, LNG, and other restricted goods. The measures prohibit Canadian persons and entities from providing any services to these vessels, including shipping, insurance, and technical support. The amendment strengthens enforcement against sanctions evasion and aligns with G7 efforts to limit Russia’s energy revenues and maritime trade operations.
Schedule 1.1 Amendment
The amendment updates Schedule 1.1 of the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations by adding 100 vessels identified through IMO numbers. The list includes oil tankers, chemical tankers, and cargo vessels built between 1981 and 2024.
Examples of Listed Vessels
- Aditya (IMO 9323314) – Chemical/Oil Products Tanker
- Aktros (IMO 9257814) – Oil Tanker
- Aura Maris (IMO 9347308) – Chemical/Oil Products Tanker
- Monte Rosa (IMO 9274343) – General Cargo
- Valentin Pikul (IMO 9885879) – Oil Tanker
Prohibitions & Compliance
Service Ban
- Canadians (domestically and abroad) are prohibited from providing:
- Financial services
- Insurance
- Technical or logistical support
- Applies to non-Canadian persons dealing with listed vessels
Screening Requirements
- Financial institutions must update sanctions monitoring systems
- Reporting obligations for suspected sanctions evasion remain in place
Regulatory Impact
The amendment is not expected to have a significant impact on Canadian businesses. Most Canadian firms are unlikely to have existing dealings with the listed vessels due to their limited operational links with Canada, resulting in low exposure across trade and maritime services.
Also, the Government of Canada will carry out minor administrative updates to support enforcement. These include adjustments to border enforcement systems and updates to sanctions monitoring frameworks used by agencies responsible for compliance, tracking, and implementation of the Russia-related sanctions regime.
Enforcement and Penalties
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) enforce the regulations. Violations may result in fines of up to $25,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both, depending on the nature of the offence.
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