Why does Canada control cryptographic items for export?
Pursuant to the Export and Import Permits Act, Canada controls exports of certain dual-use, military, and strategic goods and technology. The Export Control List (ECL) defines which items are subject to controls, and these definitions are generally the result of multilateral negotiations in four export control regimes in which Canada participates. Recognizing that cryptography could be used to undermine or threaten international and national security, all 40 Participating States of the Wassenaar Arrangement have committed to implementing export controls on cryptography in national legislation. Cryptography is controlled in the ECL in Category 5 of Group 1, the “Dual-Use List”, which includes items that are designed for civil, commercial applications, but which could also be used for significant military purposes. The Export Controls Division administers these export controls in partnership with the Communications Security Establishment (CSE), Canada’s national cryptologic agency. Expor
