On October 19, 2022, the Government of Canada announced additional sanctions in response to the Iranian regime’s “ongoing gross and systematic human rights violations and continued actions to destabilize regional peace and security”, adding 6 individuals and 3 entities to Schedule 1 of the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations. These sanctions target those “that are among the worst offenders that have participated in or enabled gross human rights violations, including against Iranian women, and disseminated propaganda to justify the Iranian regime’s repression and persecution of its citizens”.

This is the third round of sanctions imposed by Canada against the Iranian regime, following the recent additions from October 13, 2022, and the initial round of sanctions from October 3, 2022 in response to the death and detention of Mahsa Amini.

We have significant experience in the design and implementation of sanctions-related compliance programs and internal investigations. Where breaches are identified, we work closely with clients in making voluntary disclosures and in engaging with the ensuing investigations conducted by the RCMP and Global Affairs Canada. We also regularly assist clients with the application for delisting process as well as applications for exemption permits.