Removal of non-tariff trade barrier for flaxseed to the EU reflects confidence in Canada’s agricultural exports

Canada is one of the world's largest producers and global exporters of flaxseed. Our high-quality products are enjoyed by millions of people around the world on a daily basis.

 

May 1, 2026, will mark the official termination of the longstanding Sampling and testing protocol for Canadian flaxseed exported to the European Union (the Protocol). Removal of this non-tariff barrier, that has been in place since 2009, is a recognition of the safety, reliability and quality of Canadian agricultural and agri-food exports. This demonstrates the strength of the Canada-EU Strategic Partnership and a shared commitment to resolving long-standing trade irritants through cooperation and dialogue.

 

In July 2009, trace amounts of an unauthorized genetically modified flaxseed called CDC Triffid was detected in a Europe-bound shipment, leading to the immediate and temporary cessation of flaxseed exports. Following the detection, AAFC worked diligently with the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC), industry partners, and the EU to develop the Protocol, allowing trade to continue. Additionally, AAFC worked with Canadian industry to eradicate CDC Triffid from Canadian supply chains.

 

While the Protocol enabled trade to resume, it has been imposing additional costs and administrative burdens on Canadian industry and has put them at a disadvantage relative to competitors. After years of testing with no detections of CDC Triffid, Canada and the EU worked together to review the Protocol.

 

Canada’s formal request for its discontinuation, submitted in 2024, was recently accepted, and will no longer be required as of May 1, 2026. The end of the Protocol offers increased economic potential for Canadian flaxseed farmers and exporters and is a positive example of Canada-EU collaboration to strengthen international trade.