Export controls for quantum, semiconductors, 3D printing

Summary#

The federal government published the Order Amending the Export Control List to add a set of advanced technologies to Canada’s export controls under the Export and Import Permits Act. Starting 30 days after publication on March 26, 2025 (so coming into force on April 25, 2025), exporters will generally need a permit before sending the newly listed items abroad.

What it does#

• Adds seven groups of technologies to Group 5 of the Export Control List, so their export or transfer from Canada will usually require an export permit.
• The new controls cover, in plain terms:
  • Quantum-related items:
    • Isotopically enriched silicon and germanium (very low impurity thresholds: less than 0.08% of certain isotopes).
    • Cryogenic cooling systems that meet specific cooling-power and temperature tests (for example systems that provide ≥ 600 µW at ≤ 0.1 K, or two-stage pulse tube coolers maintaining < 4 K and providing ≥ 1.5 W at 4.2 K).
    • Cryogenic wafer probing equipment that tests wafers ≥ 100 mm at temperatures ≤ 4.5 K.
    • Parametric (quantum-limited) amplifiers that operate below 1 K, at 2 GHz to 15 GHz, with noise figure below 0.015 dB.
  • Advanced semiconductor components:
    • Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography masks, reticles, and pellicles used for modern chipmaking (including certain mask blanks).
  • Metal additive manufacturing:
    • Metal 3D printers and specially designed components that meet a set of production features (laser/electron-beam/electric-arc consolidation, controlled inert or vacuum atmospheres at ≤ 100 Pa, in-process monitoring, and closed-loop control).
  • High-temperature coating technology:
    • Coating systems designed to protect ceramic matrix composites and to operate above 1,100 °C.
• Exports to the United States remain generally exempt in the same way as many other Group 5 items (so a permit usually isn’t required for shipments to the U.S.).
• Permit details and processing:
  • Permits can be valid for up to 5 years.
  • Typical review times are about 10 business days for low-risk destinations and around 40 business days when broader consultation is needed.

Who's affected#

• Companies and researchers working in:
  • Quantum computing hardware and components.
  • Advanced semiconductor manufacturing and EUV supply chains.
  • Metal additive manufacturing (metal 3D printing) design, supply, or maintenance.
  • High-temperature coating development for aerospace and related uses.
• Universities and research labs that export controlled technical data or equipment outside Canada.
• Exporters who already ship related parts, maintenance components, or testing equipment overseas.
• Regulators and enforcement bodies: Global Affairs Canada will issue permits; the Canada Border Services Agency and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police will help enforce the rules.
• Scale and expected impact (from the government’s analysis):
  • Currently, fewer than 10 Canadian companies are involved in these quantum-related technologies.
  • The government expects fewer than 100 permit applications per year for the newly controlled items, and in some categories fewer than 10 applications annually.
  • The estimated incremental administrative cost to businesses is small — an annualized total of $150 (based on the government’s one-for-one rule calculation).

Why it matters#

• National security: These technologies can have military uses (for example, more powerful quantum systems, advanced chips, or battlefield-ready spare-part production). The new controls aim to reduce the risk that they end up in the hands of actors who might threaten Canada or its allies.
• Trade and business effects: Affected companies will need to plan for export permits before shipping certain parts, machines, or technical information abroad (except usually to the United States). The government says the extra paperwork should be small because few exports are expected now and there are expedited paths for trusted partners.
• International alignment: The change brings Canada in line with several allies that already control similar items. That makes it harder for others to route sensitive exports through Canada to avoid controls elsewhere.
• Research and collaboration: Some academic and industrial collaborations that involve sending equipment or technical data overseas may now require permits. The Order says basic scientific research and publicly available information are treated differently, but institutions should check whether a permit is needed before shipping controlled items.