Controlled Goods Directorate - ABOUT CGD

The CGD is a domestic industrial security program that helps strengthen Canada's defence trade controls through registration, prevention, deterrence and detection, and prevents the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and of conventional weapons. This is done by regulating and controlling the examination, possession, and transfer in Canada of controlled goods and/or controlled technology. Anyone who deals with controlled goods and/or controlled technology in Canada is required to register with the CGD. The CGD is legislated by the Defence Production Act (DPA) and the Controlled Goods Regulations (CGR).

Some examples of controlled goods and/or controlled technology that are covered by the CGD are global navigation satellite systems, nuclear weapons and design testing equipment, tanks, munitions, ammunitions with a caliber greater than 12.7 mm and some firearms.

The official details on controlled goods and/or controlled technology are found in the Export Control List, published by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.