22 People Added to Iran Sanctions List

Summary#

The Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations (SOR/2022-264) add 22 people to Canada’s Iran sanctions list. The change bans Canadians and people in Canada from doing business with those listed. The rules were registered and came into force on December 7, 2022, and were published in the Canada Gazette on December 21, 2022.

What it does#

• Adds 22 individuals to Part 2.1 of Schedule 1 (Annex 1) of the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations. The government says many of the people are judges, prison officials, regional leaders and other regime figures linked to human-rights abuses.
• Imposes a broad ban on dealings: anyone in Canada, and Canadians or Canadian businesses abroad, are prohibited from dealing in the property of, entering into transactions with, or providing goods or services to the listed people.
• The newly listed names will be included on the Consolidated Canadian Autonomous Sanctions List for banks and others to check.
• The regulation took effect on the day it was registered (December 7, 2022) and, under the rules cited, applies before its Canada Gazette publication.

Who's affected#

• The 22 people added to the sanctions list.
• Canadians, people and businesses in Canada, and Canadian entities operating abroad who might otherwise deal with those individuals.
• Financial institutions and other businesses that must screen customers and transactions; officials expect only minor compliance costs.
• Enforcement and border checks will involve the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency.

Why it matters#

• The government says the move is meant to increase pressure on Iran over alleged gross and systematic human-rights violations, including actions during protests (the notice cites the 2019 protests and recent crackdowns) and to align Canada with allies taking similar steps.
• For the listed individuals, it means being cut off from Canadian financial services and trade with Canada.
• For Canadians, knowingly breaking the ban can lead to penalties: a fine of up to $25,000 or imprisonment for up to one year on summary conviction, and up to five years on indictment.
• The Canada Gazette notice names the broader context for the listing, including the protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, which the government points to as part of why these measures were taken.