UK Beef and Veal Import Permits

Summary#

The Order Amending the Import Control List (2026-2): SOR/2026-156 re‑introduces import permit requirements for certain fresh, chilled or frozen beef and veal that come from the United Kingdom. The change lets Global Affairs Canada run a UK‑specific tariff rate quota (TRQ) negotiated as part of the UK joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans‑Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

What it does#

• Replaces items 114 to 116 of the Import Control List so that many beef and veal products from the United Kingdom are no longer exempt from import controls.
• Restores the need for shipment‑specific import permits under General Import Permit rules (removing prior UK exemptions in GIP 100 and GIP 13).
• Allows the government to operate a UK‑specific CPTPP beef and veal TRQ set at up to 13,000 metric tonnes (MT) (the negotiated maximum).
• Keeps existing Canada‑UK Trade Continuity Agreement (CUKTCA) options available; under the CUKTCA Canada retains 2,708 MT duty‑free TRQ for fresh beef and 1,161 MT for frozen beef where the product is wholly obtained from the UK.
• Importers who choose to use the CPTPP TRQ must apply for permits (permit fees remain $10 to $31 per shipment). The government estimates an annualized administrative cost of $1,299.

The Order takes effect when the implementing legislation (Bill C‑13) comes into force; Bill C‑13 received royal assent on May 6, 2026 and the Order was registered on June 22, 2026.

Who's affected#

• Importers in Canada who bring in fresh, chilled or frozen beef and veal originating in the United Kingdom and want to use CPTPP tariff treatment.
• Canadian beef and veal exporters and the domestic industry, who gain the negotiated reciprocal market access to the UK.
• Global Affairs Canada (to issue and manage permits) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) (to check permits at the border).
• Small businesses that decide to import under the CPTPP TRQ (they face the same small permit fee and a short digital application process).
• If it’s unclear who is affected: the Order targets imports that do not qualify as wholly obtained under the CUKTCA rules of origin. The exact list of tariff lines is specified in the amended Import Control List.

Why it matters#

• This change lets Canada implement the beef and veal market‑access deal negotiated when the UK joined the CPTPP. It is the legal step needed to open and manage the 13,000 MT TRQ for UK beef and veal.
• For importers it creates a small new administrative step (and a small fee) if they want CPTPP treatment. Many importers can still use the CUKTCA route (and avoid permits) if the product meets those stricter origin rules.
• For Canadian producers it reinforces reciprocal access to the UK market, helping trade diversification.
• The change also gives authorities a way to track and control imports more closely. The source notes some industry concern remains about UK sanitary rules (for example, rules on growth‑enhancing substances), but those concerns did not stop the TRQ arrangement.