The Canada-European Union (EU) Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is a progressive trade agreement that upholds and promotes the values that Canada shares with the EU. This landmark agreement was signed on October 30, 2016 and entered into force in Canada and the EU on September 21, 2017.

• Under CETA, almost 96% of EU tariff lines for fish and seafood products have become duty-free. 100% of these tariff lines will be duty-free after seven years. 100% of seafood tariffs will be phased out by 2024; 100% of lobster tariff lines will be phased out by 2022.

Under CETA, Canadian fish and seafood exporters can now enjoy the advantages created from the agreement over competitors based in countries that do not have a preferential trade agreement in force with the EU.

Canadian seafood exports also reflect non-CETA related regulations:

• Fish and seafood exported to the EU must come from an approved establishment
• Catch certificate, issued by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, is required to demonstrate the product has been caught legally
• Labelling in accordance with new EU regulations from December 2014
• Health certificate from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency must accompany shipments
• Maximum Residue Levels (for example, cadmium in oysters), must be respected as per EU requirements

In light of the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, as of January 1, 2021, CETA will no longer apply to trade with the United Kingdom. The Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement – an interim deal that will be in place as Canada and the United Kingdom work towards negotiating a comprehensive free trade agreement – will provide continued access to the benefits of CETA on a bilateral basis, including the elimination of tariffs on 98% of Canadian products exported to the United Kingdom.

For lobster products still under tariff, the Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement will mirror the scheduled phase out outlined in CETA.

Halifax Stanfield airport, located in the province of Nova Scotia, is the largest Atlantic Canadian airport and represents the closest major continental North American link to the European Union.

The primary air export from Halifax is fresh seafood, including Canadian lobster. Lobster shipments are usually containerized to preserve freshness and are shipped to destinations around the world. During the Christmas season, desire for our ocean delicacies escalates, especially in Europe.

Importers, harvesters and producers will work with you to ensure the products you seek make it to you with optimal freshness and product integrity.

Canadian lobster is a treat year-round and can be imported in a variety of formats to meet your needs.