CETA

1. Trade and Market Access

• Near-total tariff elimination: CETA immediately removed duties on 98% of goods traded between Canada and the EU, making exports and imports significantly more competitive.

• Access to a massive market: Canadian exporters can sell directly to the EU’s 500+ million consumers and €13 trillion economy, while EU businesses benefit from privileged entry into Canada’s market.

• Public procurement opportunities: For the first time, Canadian and EU companies can bid on each other’s government contracts at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels — an unprecedented opening in international trade agreements.

• Agriculture and fisheries: CETA reduces barriers on agricultural and seafood products, while safeguarding EU standards on food safety, animal health, and environmental protection.

• Services and mobility: The deal eases restrictions on professional services and supports mutual recognition of certain professional qualifications, improving mobility for skilled workers.

2. Investment, Innovation, and Regulatory Cooperation

• Investment protection: CETA establishes fair and secure conditions for investors, replacing ad hoc arbitration with a permanent dispute settlement tribunal to ensure transparency and impartiality.

• Intellectual property rights (IPR):

  • Strengthened protection for trademarks, patents, copyrights, and industrial designs.

  • Recognition of EU geographical indications (e.g., specialty cheeses, wines, and spirits).

  • Extended protection for industrial designs up to 25 years.

• Regulatory cooperation: Canada and the EU maintain full control over public-interest regulations (health, safety, environment), but work together to minimize unnecessary trade barriers.

• Sustainability safeguards: Both parties retain the right to uphold strict standards in environmental protection, consumer safety, and labor rights while expanding trade.