EU drops flax trade barrier

The non-tariff trade barrier for flaxseed to the EU has been removed. 

Sampling and testing protocol for Canadian flaxseed will be terminated May 1.  

The non-tariff barrier has been in place since 2009, when trace amounts of an unauthorized genetically modified flaxseed called CDC Triffid was detected in a Europe-bound shipment, ending flaxseed exports.  

Following the detection, AAFC worked with the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC), industry partners, and the EU to develop a protocol, allowing trade to continue.