Agri-Food Trade Service

Exporting Agri-Food Products to the European Union

Fact sheets - Wheat, Pork, Beef, Bison, Horse meat, Barley, and Pulses

June 2008

Legal Notice

The Government of Canada has prepared this document based on primary and secondary sources of information. Readers should take note that the Government of Canada does not guarantee the accuracy of any of the information contained in this report, nor does it necessarily endorse the organizations listed herein. Readers should independently verify the accuracy and reliability of the information.

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The Mission of Canada to the European Union (EU) has prepared fact sheets for seven Agri-Food commodities (Wheat, Pork, Beef, Bison, Horse meat, Barley, and Pulses). They provide an overview of the rules and regulations governing the export of each commodity to the EU.

For more detailed information on prevailing conditions, please contact the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service office in the market(s) that you are interested in.
http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/EmbassyCountryListing.jsp?rid=12

THE EUROPEAN UNION - GENERAL FACTS

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic partnership between 27 Member States. It has a combined population of almost 500 million and a collective GDP larger than that of the United States¹. It is Canada's second largest trading partner with two-way bilateral trade in 2006 estimated at approximately $90 billion. Canadian agri-food exports to the EU in 2006 were approximately $1.9 billion.

The EU is a common market with a set of standardized and harmonized rules and regulations governing trade. In most instances, exporters only have to comply with only one set of regulations and requirements instead of twenty-seven separate ones².

The EU is a global leader in setting standards. Many non-EU countries take their lead on setting national standards based upon those of the EU. For exporters this may mean that extra cost and effort is required to ensure products can be certified as safe for use and consumption in the EU.

Fifteen³ of the twenty-seven EU member states share a common currency, the Euro (€). It is expected that all EU nations (with the exception of Denmark, Sweden, and the UK) will eventually adopt the Euro as their currency once they meet specific monetary requirements.

EUROPEAN UNION AGRICULTURAL POLICY AT A GLANCE

EU agricultural policy is referred to as the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The CAP was originally designed to encourage increased agricultural production in post-second world war Europe.

The CAP has evolved considerably since its inception through a series of reforms. It is now more market neutral, less production stimulating, than it was initially. Consequently, some studies have suggested that the EU will be required to import more of its agri-food requirements than it has in many years. This may present opportunities for Canadian agri-food exporters.

The importation into the EU of many agri-food products is subject to tariffs and/or Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQ)⁴. When importing a good under a TRQ, an importer must first apply for an import license. These licenses, which relate to a specific quota, are issued by the competent national authority in each EU member state in consultation with the European Commission in Brussels and are valid for a pre-determined period of time.

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Table of Contents

1.0 Barley
2.0 Beef
3.0 Bison
4.0 Horse
5.0 Pork
6.0 Pulse Crops
7.0 Wheat

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1.0 Barley

1.1 General Market Overview

The import of barley into the EU is controlled by quota. Exporters looking to export barley to the EU should ensure that they are familiar with relevant EU requirements and regulations that are described below.

1.2 Tariffs/Market Access Issues

The EU maintains two Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) regimes for imports of barley. One TRQ is for feed barley while the other is for malting barley.

The TRQ for feed barley is 306,250 tonnes with an in-quota tariff of 16€/tonne.

With respect to malting barley, the TRQ is 50,000 tonnes with an in-quota duty of 8%. In addition, a security of 85€ must be posted by the importer. To qualify for the quota, the malting barley must meet the following criteria:

Specific weight: minimum 60.5 kg/hl;
Damaged grains: maximum 1 %;
Moisture: maximum 13.5 %;
Sound and fair merchantable barley: minimum 96 %.

In order to demonstrate compliance with these requirements, the malting barley must be accompanied either by a certificate of analysis (analysis performed by customs upon entry into the EU) or by a certificate of conformity issued by an EU-recognized government inspection authority in the country of origin.

1.3 Import License

It is important to note that in order for a buyer to legally import barley into the EU, he/she must be in possession of an import license. These licenses are issued in relation to one of the two quotas by the competent national authority in each EU member state (in consultation with the EU Commission). In the case of malting barley, a security of 85€/tonne security must be paid at the time that the request for an import license is lodged.

For malting barley, the importer must make a written undertaking that barley will be processed into malt within six months of the date of entry and, within 150 days from that point, the malt will be used in the manufacture of beer aged in vats containing beechwood.

In order to have the 85€/tonne security refunded, the importer must demonstrate that:

1. the quality as described on the appropriate certificate meets the quality standards described above;
2. the importer provides proof that the barley was processed into malt and then used in beer production within the specified time periods.

The licenses are generally valid for 45 days after issue.

1.4 Sanitary Issues

The European Commission has strict regulations in place on the maximum amount of a number of contaminants permissible in cereals. Controlled contaminants in wheat include aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, T-2 and HT-2 toxin, lead, and cadmium. Exporters should familiarize themselves with the EU regulation on contaminants (see web link below).
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CONSLEG:2006R1881:20070701:EN:PDF

1.4.1 Phytosanitary Issues

Exports of barley from Canada to the EU do not require a phytosanitary certificate.

1.6 Market Intelligence/Alerts

At present, EU importers importing malting barley from the United States that is accompanied by a certificate of conformity issued by the US Federal Inspection Service are not required to post the 85€/tonne security. Canada is consulting with the European Commission to determine if a similar accommodation can be established for Canada. (see appropriate contact person below).

1.7 Other Links and Legislation

Canadian Trade Commissioner Service portal
http://www.infoexport.gc.ca

1.8 Useful Contacts

Canadian Mission to the European Union: Mr. Gordon Pugh, Counsellor (Agriculture)
gordon.pugh@international.gc.ca

AAFC:

CFIA:

2.0 Beef

2.1 General Market Overview

Europe has a tradition of beef consumption. Major markets for beef include Germany, the UK and France. Tariff barriers and sanitary requirements can make exporting beef and beef products to the EU challenging.

2.2 Tariffs/Market Access Issues

The EU maintains a Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) regime for imports of bovine meat. One TRQ of 11,500 tonnes is reserved for High Quality Beef (HQB) imported from Canada and the United States. Beef grading Canada A, AA, AAA, Choice and Prime are eligible for this TRQ. Bison meat imported from Canada may also enter under this TRQ. The in-quota tariff rate is 20% while the out-of-quota tariff rate varies between 12.8% + 176.8 Euro/100kg to 12.8%+303.4 Euro/100kg depending on the type of cut or product.

Importers wishing to import bovine meat under the HQB quota must apply to their respective national competent authority (i.e. responsible government ministry/agency or officially designated company) for an import license. A security of 12 Euro/100kg of meat must be deposited at the time that the license application is lodged. Licenses are issued by the national competent authority after consultations with the European Commission in Brussels and are generally valid for three months. As the licenses are issued on a monthly basis, only 1/12 of the overall quota is available for import each month.

Other TRQs do exist for beef imports into Europe. For more information on these tariff rate quotas for beef, please see the web link below. The duty rates begin on page 33 while the quotas begin on page 835.
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_301/l_30120061031en00010880.pdf (note that this is an extremely long document. Printing is not recommended)

2.3 Sanitary Issues

2.3.1 BSE

In May 2007, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) gave the official designation to Canada as a BSE Controlled Risk country. See below the Commission Decision 2007/453/EC of 29 June 2007 establishing the BSE status of Member States and third countries or regions according to their BSE risk.
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2007:172:0084:0086:EN:PDF

As of July 12, 2007, the CFIA has enhanced regulations to more quickly eliminate bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) from Canada. In infected cattle, BSE concentrates in certain tissues known as specified risk material (SRM). As a public health protection, these tissues are removed from all cattle slaughtered for human consumption. To limit BSE spread among cattle, the Government of Canada banned most proteins, including SRM, from cattle feed in 1997. To provide further animal health protection, SRM are also banned from all animal feeds, pet foods and fertilizers. For more information see: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/newcom/2007/20070712e.shtml

2.3.2 Prohibitions

All Specified Risk Materials (SRM) as defined by the EU.
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CONSLEG:2001R0999:20071102:EN:PDF

Meat derived from animals treated with hormonal growth promotants or with beta-agonists having an anabolic effect

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) administers an EU-recognized protocol whereby Canadian beef products are certified as being raised as hormone free.

It is also important to note that all bovine products destined for export from Canada to the EU must come from slaughterhouses, cutting plants and cold stores that are approved. A list of approved facilities can be accessed from the following EU website.
http://circa.europa.eu/irc/sanco/vets/info/data/listes/01ca.pdf

To obtain details on the establishments listed above:
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/meavia/regliste.shtml

2.3.3 Special conditions

For fresh meat and meat products, please find examples of applicable additional special conditions below:

- Wooden pallets: Wooden pallets may be used in areas of the establishments where products are fully packaged (e.g. freezers or coolers). The use of wooden pallets in rooms where exposed meat is present must be phased out. As an interim measure, when wooden pallets are used in rooms where products is exposed, adequate control must be exercised to main­tain the pallets free of contamination and damage. Plant management must ensure that pallets are in good repair and clean before use. Wooden pallets must be kept at least 3 metres away from exposed products and covered with a plastic.
- Product flow to assure all hygiene requirements: Exposed meat must be stored in a separate room from packaged meat, unless stored at different times.
- Packaging operations in the same room are subject to the following conditions: Packaging material must be assembled under hygienic conditions either in a separate room or, if in the cutting room, never within 3 meters of exposed products.
- Microbiological testing for export to Finland and Sweden.
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2005:271:0017:0028:EN:PDF
- Pens for sick and suspect animals: Wood shall not be used for pens for sick and suspect animals.
For more information see the web link below to the CFIA manual on exporting meat and meat poultry products to the EU.
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/meavia/mmopmmhv/chap11/eu-uee.shtml

2.4 Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Issues

In an effort to ensure the quality and safety of beef, the EU has developed a comprehensive labelling system for food stuff.
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2000:109:0029:0042:EN:PDF

In addition there are specific labelling requirements for beef and beef products. Adherence to this labelling system is mandatory within the EU and exporters looking to export beef and beef products to the EU should ensure that they are in full compliance with its requirements. The entire regulation can be found at the link below. Of particular interest to exporters are articles 13, 16, 17.
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexapi!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg=EN&numdoc=32000R1760&model=guichett

2.5 Market Intelligence/Alerts

It is anticipated that EU imports of beef from the United States under the HQB quota may cause this quota to be filled in 2008. If so, this could limit access for Canadian beef.

2.6 Other Links and Legislation

EU guide to food imports from third countries
http://ec.europa.eu/food/international/trade/guide_thirdcountries2006_en.pdf

Canadian Trade Commissioner Service Portal
www.infoexport.gc.ca

EU-approved facilities in Canada
http://circa.europa.eu/irc/sanco/vets/info/data/listes/01ca.pdf

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/

2.7 Useful Contacts

Canadian Mission to the European Union: Mr. Gordon Pugh, Counsellor (Agriculture)
gordon.pugh@international.gc.ca

Canadian Mission to the European Union: Dr. Michel Landry, Counsellor (Veterinary Affairs)
michel.f.landry@international.gc.ca

AAFC:

CFIA: Once the exporter has identified a federally approved facility, the inspector in charge or the veterinarian in charge can be contacted.

3.0 Bison

3.1 General Market Overview

Europe has a tradition of beef consumption. Major markets for beef include Germany, the UK and France. Tariff barriers and sanitary requirements can make exporting beef and beef products to the EU challenging.

3.2 Tariffs/Market Access Issues

The EU maintains a Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) regime for imports of bovine meat. One TRQ of 11,500 tonnes is reserved for High Quality Beef (HQB) imported from Canada and the United States. Beef grading Canada A, AA, AAA, Choice and Prime are eligible for this TRQ. Bison meat imported from Canada may also enter under this TRQ. The in-quota tariff rate is 20% while the out-of-quota tariff rate varies between 12.8% + 176.8 Euro/100kg to 12.8%+303.4 Euro/100kg depending on the type of cut or product.

Importers wishing to import bovine meat under the HQB quota must apply to their respective national competent authority (i.e. responsible government ministry/agency or officially designated company) for an import license. A security of 12 Euro/100kg of meat must be deposited at the time that the license application is lodged. Licenses are issued by the national competent authority after consultations with the European Commission in Brussels and are generally valid for three months. As the licenses are issued on a monthly basis, only 1/12 of the overall quota is available for import each month.

Other TRQs do exist for beef imports into Europe. For more information on these tariff rate quotas for beef, please see the web link below. The duty rates begin on page 33 while the quotas begin on page 835.
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_301/l_30120061031en00010880.pdf (note that this is an extremely long document. Printing is not recommended)

3.3 Sanitary Issues

3.3.1 BSE

In May 2007, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) gave the official designation to Canada as a BSE Controlled Risk country. See below the Commission Decision 2007/453/EC of 29 June 2007 establishing the BSE status of Member States and third countries or regions according to their BSE risk.
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2007:172:0084:0086:EN:PDF

As of July 12, 2007, the CFIA has enhanced regulations to more quickly eliminate bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) from Canada. In infected cattle, BSE concentrates in certain tissues known as specified risk material (SRM). As a public health protection, these tissues are removed from all cattle slaughtered for human consumption. To limit BSE spread among cattle, the Government of Canada banned most proteins, including SRM, from cattle feed in 1997. To provide further animal health protection, SRM are also banned from all animal feeds, pet foods and fertilizers. For more information see: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/newcom/2007/20070712e.shtml

3.3.2 Prohibitions

All Specified Risk Materials (SRM) as defined by the EU.
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CONSLEG:2001R0999:20071102:EN:PDF

Meat derived from animals treated with hormonal growth promotants or with beta-agonists having an anabolic effect

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) administers an EU-recognized protocol whereby Canadian beef products are certified as being raised as hormone free.

It is also important to note that all bovine products destined for export from Canada to the EU must come from slaughterhouses, cutting plants and cold stores that are approved. A list of approved facilities can be accessed from the following EU website.
http://circa.europa.eu/irc/sanco/vets/info/data/listes/01ca.pdf

To obtain details on the establishments listed above:
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/meavia/regliste.shtml

3.3.3 Special conditions

For fresh meat and meat products, please find examples of applicable additional special conditions below:

- Wooden pallets: Wooden pallets may be used in areas of the establishments where products are fully packaged (e.g. freezers or coolers). The use of wooden pallets in rooms where exposed meat is present must be phased out. As an interim measure, when wooden pallets are used in rooms where products is exposed, adequate control must be exercised to main­tain the pallets free of contamination and damage. Plant management must ensure that pallets are in good repair and clean before use. Wooden pallets must be kept at least 3 metres away from exposed products and covered with a plastic.
- Product flow to assure all hygiene requirements: Exposed meat must be stored in a separate room from packaged meat, unless stored at different times.
- Packaging operations in the same room are subject to the following conditions: Packaging material must be assembled under hygienic conditions either in a separate room or, if in the cutting room, never within 3 meters of exposed products.
- Microbiological testing for export to Finland and Sweden.
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2005:271:0017:0028:EN:PDF
- Pens for sick and suspect animals: Wood shall not be used for pens for sick and suspect animals.

For more information see the web link below to the CFIA manual on exporting meat and meat poultry products to the EU.
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/meavia/mmopmmhv/chap11/eu-uee.shtml

3.4 Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Issues

In an effort to ensure the quality and safety of beef, the EU has developed a comprehensive labelling system for food stuff.
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2000:109:0029:0042:EN:PDF

In addition there are specific labelling requirements for beef and beef products. Adherence to this labelling system is mandatory within the EU and exporters looking to export beef and beef products to the EU should ensure that they are in full compliance with its requirements. The entire regulation can be found at the link below. Of particular interest to exporters are articles 13, 16, 17.
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexapi!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg=EN&numdoc=32000R1760&model=guichett

3.5 Market Intelligence/Alerts

It is anticipated that EU imports of beef from the United States under the HQB quota may cause this quota to be filled in 2008. If so, this could limit access for Canadian beef.

3.6 Other Links and Legislation

EU guide to food imports from third countries
http://ec.europa.eu/food/international/trade/guide_thirdcountries2006_en.pdf

Canadian Trade Commissioner Service Portal
www.infoexport.gc.ca

EU-approved facilities in Canada
http://circa.europa.eu/irc/sanco/vets/info/data/listes/01ca.pdf

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/

3.7 Useful Contacts

Canadian Mission to the European Union: Mr. Gordon Pugh, Counsellor (Agriculture)
gordon.pugh@international.gc.ca

Canadian Mission to the European Union: Dr. Michel Landry, Counsellor (Veterinary Affairs)
michel.f.landry@international.gc.ca

AAFC:

CFIA: Once the exporter has identified a federally approved facility, the inspector in charge or the veterinarian in charge can be contacted.

4.0 Horse

4.1 General Market Overview

Approximately 10,500 metric tonnes of horse meat were exported from Canada in 2006. France, with roughly 3,800 metric tonnes, was the largest export market in the world for Canadian horse meat. Italy is another strong EU market for Canadian-produced horse meat.

4.2 Tariffs/Market Access Issues

The EU maintains a duty rate of 5.1% for horse meat (both fresh and chilled/frozen) and 6.4% for edible offal imports. There are no Tariff Rate Quotas in place for horse meat imports into the EU.

4.3 Other Links and Legislation

EU import conditions for meat and meat products
http://ec.europa.eu/food/international/trade/im_cond_meat_en.pdf

CFIA Manual of Procedures on poultry and meat products http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/meavia/mmopmmhv/table11e.shtml

Canadian Trade Commissioner Service portal
http://www.infoexport.gc.ca

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/

4.4 Useful Contacts

Canadian Mission to the European Union: Mr. Gordon Pugh, Counsellor (Agriculture)
gordon.pugh@international.gc.ca

Canadian Mission to the European Union: Dr. Michel Landry, Counsellor (Veterinary Affairs)
michel.f.landry@international.gc.ca

AAFC:

CFIA: Once the exporter has identified a federally approved facility, the inspector in charge or the veterinarian in charge can be contacted.

5.0 Pork

5.1 General Market Overview

Pork is the most popular meat in the EU, with average consumption almost three times that of beef and almost twice that of poultry. Exporter should be aware that EU tariff barriers and regulations governing the import of pork and pork products into the EU will present challenges.

5.2 Tariffs/Market Access Issues

The importation of pork products into the EU is controlled through Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs); import licenses are required. In order to qualify for an import license, the applicant must, among other things, demonstrate that they have been actively importing or exporting pork or pork products from/to third countries during the preceding 24 months. Applications for licenses are made to national competent authority of the government of the member state where the applicant is based. The licenses are issued by the member state following consultations with the European Commission. Import licenses are generally valid for 150 days beginning on the first day of the quota period in question.

European importers can apply to import Canadian pork through three separate TRQ regimes. Of these, two are open to all WTO Members. The remaining TRQ is exclusively for the use of Canadian exporters.

Tariff Rate Quota	Total Quota Size (tonnes) and product description	Opening Period and Availability per quarter	Tariff Rate
"GATT Quotas" Open to all WTO members	70,390*	July 1- June 30 (25% of total quota available per quarter)	Differ by tariff line, range from €233/tonne to €434/tonne
"Oilseed Quota" Open to all WTO members	7,000 Fresh or chilled Loins and cuts thereof, with bone in; and Frozen Bellies (streaky) and cuts thereof	Jan 1- December 30 (25% of total quota available per quarter)	0%
Canada-only Quota a certificate of origin is required (available from Canada Pork International)	4,624 Cuts, fresh, chilled or frozen, boned and with bone in, excluding tenderloin presented alone	July 1 - June 30 (25% of total quota available per quarter)	Differ by tariff line, range from €233/tonne to €434/tonne

*35,625 Boned loins and hams, fresh, chilled or frozen
5,000 Tenderloin, fresh, chilled or frozen
3,002 Sausages, dry or for spreading, uncooked and "Others"
6,161 Other prepared or preserved meat, meat offal or blood
15,067 Carcasses and half-carcasses, fresh, chilled or frozen
5,535 Cuts, fresh, chilled or frozen, boned and with bone-in, excluding tenderloin
Import licenses must be for a minimum of 20 tonnes and no more than 25% of the total quota available in the respective quarter.

For more information on the TRQs, please visit the following websites.

EU Regulation on the GATT Quota
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2007:181:0003:0009:EN:PDF

EU Regulation on the "Oilseed" Quota
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2007:309:0028:0033:EN:PDF

EU regulation on the Canada only Quota
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2007:217:0012:0017:EN:PDF

5.3 Sanitary Issues

In April 2005, Canada and the EU agreed to mutually recognize the equivalence of the majority of each side's domestic food safety measures for pork, under the Canada-EU Veterinary Agreement. This agreement makes public health aspects of the certificates simpler and more straight-forward. However, pork establishments wishing to export to the EU must still meet certain EU-specific requirements to obtain EU approval. Please consult the web link below to the CFIA Manual of Procedures on poultry and meat products.

5.4 Prohibitions

Meat derived from animals treated with hormonal growth promotants or with beta-agonists having an anabolic effect

There is a requirement for exporters to guarantee that animals from which the meat is derived did not receive ractopamine. Ractopamine is a veterinary drug, administered as a feed additive to pigs and cattle to improve the quantity of lean meat produced per animal. Ractopamine has been approved as a pig feed additive in Canada since July 2005 under the trade mark Paylean®. Ractopamine is covered by the EU ban on the administration of all beta-agonists, as per Council Directive 96/22/EC. Canada has established a program for certifying pork not raised with ractopamine, for export to the EU.

Please contact your CFIA Area Office for a copy of the CFIA Ractopamine-Free Programme. Please contact the CFIA Area export specialist or consult the CFIA website.

It is also important to note that all pork products destined for export from Canada to the EU must come from approved slaughterhouses, cutting plants and cold stores. A list of approved facilities can be accessed from the following EU website.
http://circa.europa.eu/irc/sanco/vets/info/data/listes/01ca.pdf

To obtain details on the establishments listed above:
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/meavia/regliste.shtml

5.5 Special conditions

For fresh meat and meat products, please find examples of applicable additional special conditions below:

- Meat is to be tested for trichina or submitted to a freezing treatment.
- Wooden pallets: Wooden pallets may be used in areas of the establishments where products are fully packaged (e.g. freezers or coolers). The use of wooden pallets in rooms where exposed meat is present must be phased out. As an interim measure, when wooden pallets are used in rooms where products is exposed, adequate control must be exercised to main­tain the pallets free of contamination and damage. Plant management must ensure that pallets are in good repair and clean before use. Wooden pallets must be kept at least 3 metres away from exposed products and covered with a plastic.
- Product flow to assure all hygiene requirements: Exposed meat must be stored in a separate room from packaged meat, unless stored at different times.
- Packaging operations in the same room are subject to the following conditions: Packaging material must be assembled under hygienic conditions either in a separate room or, if in the cutting room, never within 3 meters of exposed products.
- Microbiological testing for export to Finland and Sweden.
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2005:271:0017:0028:EN:PDF
- Pens for sick and suspect animals: Wood shall not be used for pens for sick and suspect animals.

For more information see the web link below to the CFIA manual on exporting meat and meat poultry products to the EU.
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/meavia/mmopmmhv/chap11/eu-uee.shtml

5.7 Market Intelligence/Alerts

As from November 29, 2007 the EU began applying export restitutions (subsidies) on a broad range of pork products. It is not known when this practice will end.

Chilean and US pork imports are expected to account for a large percentage of the total quota amounts available for pork.

5.8 Other Links and Legislation

EU import conditions for meat and meat products
http://ec.europa.eu/food/international/trade/im_cond_meat_en.pdf

CFIA Manual of Procedures on poultry and meat products http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/meavia/mmopmmhv/table11e.shtml

Canadian Trade Commissioner Service portal
http://www.infoexport.gc.ca

EU-approved facilities in Canada
http://circa.europa.eu/irc/sanco/vets/info/data/listes/01ca.pdf

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/

5.9 Useful Contacts

Canadian Mission to the European Union: Mr. Gordon Pugh, Counsellor (Agriculture)
gordon.pugh@international.gc.ca

Canadian Mission to the European Union: Dr. Michel Landry, Counsellor (Veterinary Affairs)
michel.f.landry@international.gc.ca

AAFC:

CFIA: Once the exporter has identified a federally approved facility, the inspector in charge or the veterinarian in charge can be contacted.

CPI

6.0 Pulse Crops

6.1 General Market Overview

Canada exported over $200 million in pulse crops to the EU in 2007. The UK, Italy, Spain and Portugal accounted for two-thirds of these exports. Dry beans accounted for the largest share of exports, followed by lentils, peas and chickpeas.

6.2 Tariffs/Market Access Issues

There are few market access issues for Canadian pulse exports to the EU (see the market intelligence section below for more information on a localized issue). The importation of the following pulses into the EU is duty free:

• Chickpeas;
• Dry peas
• Dry beans (including beans of species Vigna mungo, Vigna radiata, Vigna angularis and Phaseolus vulgaris)
• Lentils

The EU assesses a duty rate of 3.2% on all other types of pulse imports (including broad beans and horse beans).

6.3 Phytosanitary Issues

Canadian pulses for consumption do not require a phytosanitary inspection certificate from the CFIA in order to be imported into the EU.

6.4 Market Intelligence/Alerts

Pulses imported "in bulk" (i.e. not in bags) in unlined shipping containers into Greece (both Canadian and non-Canadian) have recently encountered difficulties and delays in clearing entry formalities due to concerns from Greek authorities regarding the cleanliness of the containers. Canadian authorities are working to try and clarify the nature and legitimacy of the Greek concerns.

6.5 Other Links and Legislation

Canadian Trade Commissioner Service portal
http://www.infoexport.gc.ca

6.6 Useful Contacts

Canadian Mission to the European Union: Mr. Gordon Pugh, Counsellor (Agriculture)
gordon.pugh@international.gc.ca

7.0 Wheat

7.1 General Market Overview

Canadian wheat and durum wheat exports to the EU increased approximately 3.4% between 2005 and 2006 to approximately 1.875 million tonnes. The largest EU market for Canadian durum wheat in 2006 was Italy (613,000 tonnes), while the largest market for milling wheat was the UK (373,000 tonnes).

7.2 Tariffs/Market Access Issues

7.2.1 Non-Durum Wheat

The market access conditions for non-durum wheat differ between "high quality" and "low-to-medium quality" wheat. "High" quality non-durum wheat must have a minimum protein content of 14% (according to EU measurement standards), a minimum specific weight of 77.0 kg/hectolitre and a maximum impurity percentage (Schwarzbesatz) of 1.5%. "Low/medium" quality non-durum wheat is everything else.

7.3.1.1 High Quality Wheat

Import duties on high quality wheat are calculated as the difference between the "world price" for wheat (basis Rotterdam) and 155% of the EU intervention price for cereal grain adjusted as appropriate by the "storage premium". The "world" price is a Minneapolis price for high quality wheat, adjusted for transportation costs and converted to euros (a 14 €/tonne premium is added).

The EU intervention price is 101.31 €/tonne. The "storage premia" begin at 0.46 €/tonne in November and rise to 3.22 €/tonne in June. They are zero between July and October. The maximum duty that can be applied is 95 €/tonne (the WTO bound rate of duty).

During periods when a duty applies, there is an annual 300,000 tonne duty free quota allocated on a first come, first serve basis.

High quality wheat exports from Canada to the EU must be accompanied by a Certificate Final of a specific format (describing protein level and weight) issued by the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC). Product not accompanied by this document is assumed to be of low-to-medium quality.

7.3.1.2 Low-to-Medium Quality Wheat

The EU maintains a Tariff Rate Quota for imports of this quality of non-durum wheat. Canada has a "reserve" within this TRQ of 38,853 tonnes. The quota is opened on a calendar year basis and is a "first-come, first served" quota. There is an "in-quota" duty of 12 euro/tonne. The over-quota duty is 95 €/tonne.

EU regulation on the opening of a tariff rate quota on the importation of quality other than high quality wheat
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2002:358:0088:0091:EN:PDF

Wheat in Containers

High quality Canadian wheat shipped to the EU in containers (most often organic wheat) also requires a Certificate Final of a specific format (describing protein level and weight) issued by the CGC. Issuance of this Certificate for containers may require the payment of a fee to the CGC.

7.3.2 Durum Wheat

The EU maintains a variable import levy system for 3 "categories" of durum wheat: high quality, medium quality and low quality. For each category the import duty is calculated as the difference between a "world" price and the EU internal price. The "world" price is central US price (Minneapolis) adjusted by transport and other costs to equate to a "landed" price in the EU. The US price used for high quality durum is the actual price; the prices for medium and low quality are standard discounts (of 10 euros and 30 euros, respectively) from the high quality price. The EU internal price is 155% of the intervention price adjusted for the "storage premium". The maximum duty that can be applied is 148 €/tonne (the WTO bound rate of duty).

High and medium quality durum must have a minimum specific weight of 76.0 kg/hectolitre and a maximum impurity percentage (Schwarzbesatz) of 1.5%. The difference between high, medium and low quality is defined by Hard Vitreous Kernel (HVK) content (using the European methodology for determining HVK). High quality must have a minimum HVK content of 75.0%.

7.3.3 Organic Wheat

Organic wheat is subject to the same definitions (high vs medium/low quality) and TRQs as non-organic wheat. High quality organic wheat must be accompanied by the certificate issued by the Canadian Grain Commission. In addition, organic wheat producers must comply with EU regulations on organics (please see links below).
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2007:189:0001:0023:EN:PDF
http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/qual/organic/brochure/abio_en.pdf
http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/qual/organic/index_en.htm

7.4 Import License

It is important to note that in order for a buyer to legally import cereals into the EU under a tariff rate quota, they must be in possession of an import license for that specific cereal. These licenses are issued in relation to specific quotas by the national competent authority (i.e. responsible government ministry/agency or officially designated company in each EU member state) after consultations with the EU commission.

7.5 Sanitary and Phytosanitary Issues

The European Commission has strict regulations in place on the maximum amount of a number of contaminants permissible in cereals. Controlled contaminants in wheat include aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, T-2 and HT-2 toxin, lead, and cadmium. Exporters should familiarize themselves with the EU regulation on contaminants (see web link below).
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2006/l_364/l_36420061220en00050024.pdf

Wheat exported to EU member states for consumption does not require a phytosanitary certificate.

7.6 Market Intelligence/Alerts

The European Union has suspended import duties on all cereals except for oats, buckwheat and millet for the current marketing year - which ends on June 30, 2008. The decision is a reaction to the exceptionally tight situation on the world and EU cereal grains markets and the record price levels.

7.7 Other Links and Legislation

EU regulation on the importation of cereals
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2002:358:0101:0107:EN:PDF

EU regulation on the application of import duties on cereals
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:31996R1249:EN:HTML

Canadian Trade Commissioner Service Portal
www.infoexport.gc.ca

Canadian Grain Commission
www.grainscanada.gc.ca

7.8 Useful Contacts

Canadian Mission to the European Union: Mr. Gordon Pugh, Counsellor (Agriculture)
gordon.pugh@international.gc.ca

AAFC:

CFIA:

Canadian Grain Commission: Mr. Randy Dennis, Chief Grain Inspector
rdennis@grainscanada.gc.ca

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¹ Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czeh Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Slovak Republics, Slovenia, Sweden, United Kingdom
² Some exceptions exist. Exporters should contact the Trade Commissioner Service office in their market(s) of interest to obtain information on export rules and requirements for specific products
³ Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain
⁴ Tariff-rate quotas (TRQ's) are two-level tariffs. TRQ's were adopted during the Uruguay Round as a method for providing greater access to markets with high tariffs. A limited volume of imports is allowed at the low tariff is greater than volume allowed by the TRQ, then imports must be rationed. Of the many rationing methods currectly allowed by the World Trade Organization (WTO), some are more likely than others to bias trade unnecessarily. The issue is whether the WTO should discipline some administrative methods, and is so, which ones.