Canada

EU – Canada Free Trade Agreement

EU – Canada Free Trade Agreement

EU – Canada Free Trade Agreement

Did you know that you could save money on your international shipments to and from Canada? The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is a free trade agreement between the EU and Canada that aims to boost trade and help generate growth and jobs. It removes about 98% of all import duties on goods of EU or Canadian origin— making it easier and cheaper to import and export. All it takes is a simple declaration to be added to the commercial invoice. It has been in force since September 2017 and is estimated to save European exporters alone around €590 million in duties every year.1

Learn how you could benefit from CETA.

What’s in it for my business?

Euro
Euro
Euro

Cost savings

Duties on almost all products are removed and non-tariff barriers reduced. 

International
International
International

Improved access

Easier access to the Canadian and European markets could mean new opportunities for your business in terms of competitiveness and investment. 

Document
Document
Document

Simpler regulation

It is now easier for EU and Canadian companies to work together. For example, conformity assessment certificates and many professional qualifications are mutually recognized.

Customs
Customs
Customs

Simplified, modern customs procedures

Modern customs processes allow for quick and easy release of your goods.

NOTE: The trade agreement applies to duties, not taxes. Any applicable GST/HST for imports into Canada and VAT for imports into the EU still need to be paid.

How can I benefit?

To benefit from reduced or 0% tariffs, products must be of Canadian or EU origin (‘Canada/EU’). All it takes is a declaration. No formal certificate is required. Simply add the following to your commercial invoice (or any other commercial document) along with a detailed description of your goods as you would usually do. 

Sample Statement of Origin:

(Period: from___________ to __________)
 

The exporter of the products covered by this document (Customs Authorisation No.______) declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of Canada/EU preferential origin.

__________________________________
(Place and date)
 

_________________________________
(Signature and printed name)

Important note: it is essential that the declaration is filled out correctly or it may be rejected by customs. Please consult the official text of the origin declaration, which comes with explanatory notes and is available in all applicable languages.  

For EU exporters, the Customs Authorisation No. is your Registered Exporter (REX) number. It is required for all shipments valued over €6000.

How to get a REX number

  • Register online with your national customs authority. Or complete this form and return it to them.
     
  • If you are a first-time REX user, you might want to read the REX Guidance document.
     
  • Once you receive it, you can add your Registered Exporter number to commercial invoices of shipments to Canada valued over €6000.

How can FedEx help?

Fast Intercontinental Shipping

We help your business reach its full potential. With our express parcel service, you can import from Canada in just 2 days and export to Canada in 1 to 3 days*.

Ship Now

*Service availability and transit times may vary depending on shipment type, origin and destination. FedEx terms and conditions apply. 

Always make sure to check the rules and regulations of the country you’re shipping from and to prior to shipping. Please review the European Commission webpage for more information.