- Canadian dollar (Can$)
- Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
- European Union (EU)
Quick facts
With CETA's provisional application, almost 94% of the EU agricultural tariff lines are now duty-free, including tariff lines for Canadian processed pulse products such as chick pea flour, canned pulses and specialty soups.
Canadian exports of processed pulse products to the EU: Can$670,000 (2019). (Source: CatsNet)
As of September 21, 2017 (CETA’s date of provisional application), the elimination of EU tariffs will help Canadian producers, processors and exporters to be more competitive in the EU. Some Canadian processed pulses were subject to tariffs as high as 19.2%. Previously, approximately 18% of European Union (EU) agriculture tariff lines were duty-free.
Whole pulses are and will continue to be duty-free when exported to the EU.
Below are some examples of processed pulse products that will become duty-free following provisional application:
| Product (illustrative list only) | EU tariffs have been as high as: |
|---|---|
| Canned pulses | 19.2% |
| Lentil flour | 7.7% |
| Pulse meal and Powder | 7.7% |
| Soups/Broths | 11.5% |
Classifying a Product
To determine whether your product qualifies for preferential duty-free access now that CETA is provisionally applied, you can use the EU’s Binding Tariff Information (BTI) system, which provides Canadian exporters with the opportunity to obtain a binding, written ruling concerning the tariff classification of their products prior to export. This provides exporters with assurance regarding the tariff classification that their products will receive, as well as further guidance and information regarding the rule of origin that the products must satisfy in order to benefit from preferential tariff treatment under CETA.
Rules of Origin
Under CETA, processed pulse products produced from inputs that are wholly obtained (that is, grown and harvested) in Canada or the EU are considered originating products and will receive preferential tariff treatment. Products that are sufficiently processed in Canada or the EU will also be eligible for preferential tariff treatment since they will be considered originating.
For Canadian pulse products containing non-originating/imported material or ingredients, exporters must satisfy the applicable product-specific rule of origin (CETA, Annex 5 of the Rules of Origin Procedures Protocol) in order to be considered originating. Canadian exporters can seek an EU Binding Origin Information (BOI) advance ruling on whether a product qualifies as originating under CETA. These rulings are binding on customs authorities in all EU Member States.
Exporting to the European Union
Other requirements may apply (for example, labelling, packaging, additives allowed) so make sure you are aware of them.
Learn more at: Exporting your agri-food to the EU.
Get help navigating the market
Contact a Trade Commissioner in your export market or the Market Access Secretariat: aafc.mas-sam.aac@agr.gc.ca.