CETA: Bill C-30 Status Update

« CETA is a reflection of the Canada of today and of tomorrow. It is an agreement that responds to what trade has become — addressing not only goods but also services, investments, human mobility and non-tariff barriers. The agreement also includes key labour and environmental protections, while protecting the ability of governments to legislate in favour of the public interest. » said Hon. Andre Pratte in his speech before the Senate.

On May 11th Bill C-30 An Act to implement the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union and its Member States and to provide for certain other measures passed by the Senate without amendment on Third Reading

What is next for CETA?

Royal Ascent : When the Senate and the House of Commons have both passed a bill in identical form, the Governor General, or one of his deputies, gives the bill Royal Assent on behalf of the Queen, and it becomes an Act of Parliament, one of the statutes of Canada. Royal Assent can be granted either at a ceremony in the Senate chamber held in the presence of both Houses, or by written declaration that is announced in both Houses.

Coming into Force : CETA will come into force on a day to be fixed by order of the Governor in Council. The anticipated implementation dates for the agreement are June 15 th, July 1st or July 15th.

Provisional Implementation: CETA has been qualified as a “mixed” treaty by the European Commission, as the treaty covers both exclusive competences of the European Union (EU) and others are a shared competence with the EU and each of the 28 Member States. CETA’s entry into force requires ratification by the EU Member States, which could take several years because each of the Member States must ratify in accordance with their own domestic law. Therefore, the provisional application of the Agreement can reduce the inconveniences of the lengthy ratification process. The provisional application mechanism is not uncommon to free trade agreements concluded by the EU.

Provisional application is expected to bring the vast majority of the agreement into force, and will result in duty free tariff treatment for 97.7 percent of EU’s tariffs and 98.2 percent of Canada’s tariffs. The rules applicable to other products where their tariff is reduced to zero within a period of three, five or seven years, should logically start to apply immediately following provisional application.

Here at Thompson Ahern, we are looking forward to answer all your CETA questions. Please call us to discuss your CETA implementation plan and the steps you have to take to allow for smooth duty free EU imports and exports.

For more info and/or to be included in a mailing list for regular semi weekly CETA Updates please e-mail dtodorov@taco.ca.

Demi Todorov, CCLP, CTCS, CCS (CA/US)| Manager Client Services and Solutions