The CUKTCA will remain in force, while the CPTPP will provide Canadian importers with an additional route to preferential tariff treatment.
CPTPP tariff treatment for UK goods will become available to Canadian importers on September 1, 2026, when the United Kingdom’s Accession Protocol to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) enters into force for Canada.
The UK joined the CPTPP in December 2024, but the agreement did not take effect between Canada and the UK at that time because Canada had not yet completed its ratification process.
Canada ratified the UK’s Accession Protocol in July 2026, clearing the way for qualifying goods traded between the two countries to receive CPTPP tariff treatment.
The change affects one of Canada’s largest trading relationships. In 2025, Canada-UK merchandise trade reached $56.6 billion, making the UK Canada’s largest trading partner in Europe and fourth-largest merchandise trading partner globally.
What is the CPTPP?
The CPTPP is a free trade agreement that covers virtually all sectors and aspects of trade, including goods, services, investment, labour mobility, and government procurement.
Canada has been a member since 2018, alongside Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. The UK became the first European country and first new economy to join the CPTPP in December 2024.
Once the UK’s accession is fully implemented, the CPTPP will represent a market of more than 598 million people and 14.4% of global GDP.
The agreement includes an accession process that allows additional economies to seek membership if they can meet the CPTPP’s high-standard rules and market access commitments. This means the agreement could provide Canada with preferential access to additional markets as the membership expands.
What changes for Canada-UK trade on September 1?
From September 1, qualifying UK goods imported into Canada will be eligible for preferential tariff treatment under the CPTPP for the first time, which may reduce or eliminate the customs duty payable on eligible goods.
The Canada-UK Trade Continuity Agreement (CUKTCA) will remain in force, so CPTPP treatment will operate alongside the existing bilateral agreement rather than replace it.
The CPTPP brings its own tariff commitments, rules of origin, and market access provisions, which differ in some areas from those available under the CUKTCA.
What the new CPTPP access means for Canadian importers
CPTPP access introduces different rules of origin and regional accumulation provisions for qualifying UK goods. Depending on the product and how it is produced, the CPTPP may offer:
- Reduced or duty-free treatment on qualifying UK goods
- More flexibility where production or materials are sourced across CPTPP member countries
- A different path to originating status for some goods that do not qualify under the CUKTCA
The change will also give UK-origin goods access to applicable Canadian CPTPP tariff rate quotas (TRQs) beginning September 1. This includes access to existing CPTPP TRQs for dairy, poultry, and eggs, while Canada will establish a UK-specific CPTPP TRQ for beef and veal.
How to claim CPTPP tariff treatment
CPTPP tariff treatment does not apply automatically simply because goods are purchased from or shipped from a CPTPP member country.
Before making a claim, Canadian importers should confirm the correct tariff classification (HS code), verify which tariff treatment applies to the goods, review the applicable CPTPP rules of origin, and ensure they have the documentation needed to support the claim.
Comment Cole International peut vous aider
Cole International provides trade consulting and customs brokerage services to help Canadian businesses navigate free trade agreement requirements and preferential tariff treatment.
Reach out to one of our trade professionals for help determining whether your UK goods qualify for CPTPP tariff treatment and meeting the applicable rules of origin and documentation requirements.
