UK Accession to CPTPP Enacted for Canada

Summary#

This Order fixes that the United Kingdom’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans‑Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) will enter into force for Canada on the day the implementing law comes into force. Bringing the implementing law into force lets Canada complete the legal steps needed to apply the UK Accession Protocol internationally.

What it does#

• Declares that the An Act to implement the Protocol on the Accession of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans‑Pacific Partnership will determine the day the UK Accession Protocol enters into force for Canada.
• Brings the implementing Act into force so Canada can adopt the UK Accession Protocol into domestic law.
• Amends the CPTPP Implementation Act to add a new Schedule listing the UK Accession Protocol (and future accession protocols) and to expand the definition of “Agreement” so references to the CPTPP include those protocols.
• Updates existing federal laws to refer to the expanded CPTPP definition. For example, the Commercial Arbitration Act will be adjusted so its CPTPP references cover new accession protocols.
• Changes the Customs Tariff to create a new tariff treatment and define the timetable (“staging categories”) for eliminating tariffs between Canada and the UK under the Protocol.
• Requires a parliamentary review of the UK accession every three years, with the reviewing committee required to submit a report within six months after each review.
• Notes the UK Accession Protocol was signed on July 16, 2023, the UK became a CPTPP Party on December 15, 2024, and the Protocol already entered into force for some Parties on December 24, 2024 (Australia) and June 22, 2026 (Mexico).
• Explains that, under the Protocol, entry into force for Canada happens 60 days after Canada notifies the depositary (New Zealand) that Canada has completed its legal steps.

Who's affected#

• Canadian exporters and importers trading with the United Kingdom and other CPTPP members — across goods, services, investment, financial services, and government procurement.
• Businesses that use international supply chains, including small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) looking for new sourcing or market opportunities.
• Specific agricultural exporters (notably beef and pork producers) who have previously raised concerns about non‑tariff barriers and market access.
• Federal departments and agencies involved in trade implementation, including Global Affairs Canada, which will cover implementation costs within existing budgets.
• Any laws or regulators that refer to the CPTPP — their references will now include accession protocols listed in the new Schedule.
• The source says provincial and territorial legislation does not need to change; if that were unclear, the Order notes no provincial‑level legislative or policy changes are required.

Why it matters#

• Making the implementing Act active lets Canada complete the last legal step to treat the UK as a CPTPP partner under international law. That affects tariffs, customs rules, and other trade rules between Canada and the UK.
• The change creates a single, clearer set of rules linking Canada, the UK, and other CPTPP countries. That can make trade more predictable and reduce red tape for businesses.
• Tariff changes in the Customs Tariff could lower costs or open markets for some exporters, while sectors facing non‑tariff barriers (like some meat exporters) may still face challenges.
• Regular parliamentary reviews (every three years) add ongoing oversight of how the UK’s CPTPP membership is working for Canada.
• Overall, the move is intended to strengthen trade ties and supply‑chain links between Canada and the UK within the wider Indo‑Pacific trading area.