North Macedonia Added to AFCCL

Summary#

This is the Order Amending the Automatic Firearms Country Control List (SOR/2022-187). It adds North Macedonia to Canada’s list of destinations where certain controlled firearms, weapons or related parts can be exported if a permit is granted. The order took effect on August 19, 2022.

What it does#

• Adds North Macedonia to the Automatic Firearms Country Control List (AFCCL).
• Means exporters can now apply for permits to send items that are both prohibited under the Criminal Code and listed on the Export Control List to that country.
• Such exports are only allowed to the government of the receiving country or to end-users authorized by that government.
• All permit applications for these items are reviewed case-by-case by Global Affairs Canada against criteria in the Export and Import Permits Act and international rules (like the Arms Trade Treaty).
• The decision to add the country followed consultation between the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of National Defence and a public consultation held from March 2 to March 31, 2022 (which received 5 comments).

Who's affected#

• Canadian defence and security manufacturers that export prohibited firearms, weapons, devices, or their parts.
• Small and medium-sized companies in Canada’s defence industry may see new business opportunities.
• Government officials who process and enforce export permits, including Global Affairs Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
• The general public is unlikely to notice direct changes; exports still require permits and risk review.

Why it matters#

• It opens a potential market for some Canadian exporters by allowing permit applications for shipments to North Macedonia that were previously not allowed.
• It may enable more government-to-government defence cooperation between Canada and North Macedonia.
• Safeguards remain: each export is checked for risks such as being used to commit human-rights abuses, terrorism, or gender-based violence, and permits must be denied if there is a substantial risk.
• The change is narrow in scope and is not expected to create significant new costs or large shifts in export volume.