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By Pattison Media

EU drops flax trade barrier

Apr 24, 2026 | 11:36 AM

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.  

The flax industry then continued to work towards eradication of CDC Triffid from Canadian supply chains. While the protocol enabled trade to resume, it has been imposing additional costs and administrative burdens on Canadian industry.  

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After years of testing with no detections of CDC Triffid, Canada and the EU worked together to review the protocol and lift the trade barrier. 

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

by Pattison Media

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