2 jurisdictions

Canada and Mexico

Both criminalise the files. Mexico banned printed firearms by name.

Canada added explicit CAD and G-code provisions to its Criminal Code through Bill C-21. Mexico went further still, amending its federal firearms law to ban firearms created by three-dimensional or additive manufacturing outright.

Jurisdiction

Canada

  1. 1

    Criminal Code section 102.1, amended via Bill C-21: an offence punishable by up to 10 years to possess, access, publish or distribute digital computer data (CAD files or G-code) intended for printing or CNC milling firearms, prohibited devices such as suppressors or high-capacity magazines, or weapon components.

  2. 2

    Health Canada: classifies printed medical devices such as orthopaedic implants and surgical guides by risk under the Medical Devices Regulations. Manufacturers must demonstrate material safety, printing accuracy and biocompatibility.

Jurisdiction

Mexico

  1. 1

    Ley Federal de Armas de Fuego y Explosivos: major reforms to Article 8 and related provisions explicitly ban firearms created by three-dimensional manufacturing, additive techniques or handcrafted methods.

  2. 2

    Criminal penalties: manufacturing, possessing or trafficking printed firearms or components carries felony sentences of four to eight years plus heavy fines.

  3. 3

    SEDENA holds an absolute monopoly on civilian firearms licensing and manufacturing oversight. Producing any weapon, frame, receiver or suppressor by additive manufacturing without SEDENA authorisation is illegal arms manufacturing.

  4. 4

    COFEPRIS: regulates printed medical products under the Reglamento de Insumos para la Salud. Patient-matched implants and surgical guides need sanitary registrations and must meet Mexican Official Standards for hygiene and biocompatibility.

  5. 5

    Customs (SAT and ANAM): importing high-end industrial printers, dual-use metal laser sinterers or commercial units requires specific tariff classifications, and in some cases verification that the hardware will not be diverted to illicit manufacturing.

  6. 6

    IMPI: reverse-engineering, scanning or commercialising CAD models of patented parts or registered industrial designs is industrial property infringement.