AreaEuropean Union
Commodity GroupOilseeds, oils and meals
CommodityRapeseed oil
Date01/10/2014
Policy CategoryTrade
Policy InstrumentBilateral trade agreement
DescriptionCompleted negotiation of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with Canada, which includes elimination of EU tariffs on Canadian imports of rapeseed oil and provisions to reduce biotech-related trade hurdles.
NotesA declaration marking the end of formal negotiations has been signed by the two countries (see also MPPU Nov.13). The agreement, which is expected to be implemented in early 2016, has been welcomed by Canadas canola industry, which hopes to benefit from (i) the EUs elimination of import tariffs on rapeseed oil, and (ii) provisions to reduce biotechnology-related trade hurdles. Industry officials underlined the importance of timely and predictable approval of new rapeseed varieties containing GM-traits to Canadas exporters. Reportedly, the two countries agreed to set up a working group that will look into the timeliness of approvals, science-based assessment methods, and special regulations for low-level GM presence in shipments.
