Trade compliance

Trade compliance means meeting the legal requirements that apply to importing and exporting goods, services and technology, including customs declarations, tariff classification, valuation, rules of origin, export permits and economic sanctions. In Canada these requirements are almost entirely federal and apply to any business that moves goods or technology across the border.

How BC law treats it

Customs, export controls and sanctions are federal: the Customs Act, RSC 1985, c 1 (2nd Supp), the Export and Import Permits Act, RSC 1985, c E-19 and the Special Economic Measures Act, SC 1992, c 17. The Canada Border Services Agency administers customs, and Global Affairs Canada administers export controls and sanctions.

What it means for your business

Importers and exporters should classify their goods correctly, keep required records and screen customers against sanctions lists.

Risks and common mistakes

Exporting controlled technology, including some software and encryption, without a permit can be an offence even if the transfer is electronic.

Browse the full Fulcrum Law Dictionary for related terms.

General information about British Columbia and Canadian law, current to October 2026. It is not legal advice.