The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) signed on October 30, 2016 between Canada and the European Union (EU) is a progressive free trade agreement, which covers virtually all sectors and aspects of Canada-EU trade.

The Customs duties will be eliminated on almost all imports immediately. Some agricultural products will remain restricted, and duties on some other products will be eliminated through a tariff phase-out over the next few years.

Provisional application is effective September 21, 2017. Each EU Member State will ratify in accordance with their national procedures. View the list of eligible countries and territories. 

Proof of Origin

Preferential treatment is based on a declaration and not on a formal certificate of origin. The origin declaration can be on an invoice or any other commercial document that accurately describes the goods.

For casual goods (goods other than for sale or commercial use), the country of origin must be indicated on the air waybill and any accompanying documents (e.g., invoice).

For commercial goods, a statement of origin is required on the commercial invoice, or other commercial document, along with a complete description of the originating goods.

Sample statement below:

(Period: from___________ to __________)

The exporter of the products covered by this document (Customs authorization No…*) declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of ... preferential origin.

……………………………………………………………............................................. 
(Place and date)

……………………………………………………………............................................. 
(Signature and printed name of the exporter)

Important

• Taxes. CETA applies to duties, but not taxes; therefore, any applicable GST/HST for imports into Canada, and any applicable VAT for exports to the EU, will be assessed accordingly. For VAT rates and details, visit the European Commission website.
• Cheese/Dairy. Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs) are still in effect for a number of agricultural products which means that certain items, such as cheese imported into Canada, are still controlled. For example, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) limits the personal importation of cheese and some other dairy products to a total of CAD$20 per person. For companies, new quotas for some cheese TRQs are in place. For details, visit the Global Affairs Canada website.

Detailed Information

Customs Notice 17-30

Global Affairs Canada

Government of Canada