Key data
| Regulation | Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1375 of 23 June 2026 |
|---|---|
| Modified standard | Decision 2005/290/EC |
| Publication | 25 June 2026 |
| Entry into force | Not specified in the regulation |
| Affected parties | Importers of fresh domestic pork meat from Canada, meat sector operators and EU veterinary authorities |
| Product | Fresh domestic pork meat intended for human consumption |
| Origin | Canada |
| Category | Agriculture and Fisheries — Animal health and food safety |
European importers of fresh Canadian pork meat face a mandatory documentary change. The Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1375, published on 25 June 2026, amends Decision 2005/290/EC and updates both the health certification standards and the official certificate model that must accompany each shipment from Canada.
The objective is to harmonize import controls with current EU standards on animal health and food safety, ensuring the health traceability of animal products entering the European market. For sector operators, this translates into a concrete obligation: coordinate with Canadian suppliers to update documentation before new shipments arrive at border control points.
What does this regulation establish?
The standard introduces two main changes to the regulation in force since 2005:
| Aspect | Before (Decision 2005/290/EC) | After (Decision 2026/1375) |
|---|---|---|
| Health certification standards | Requirements established in 2005, without updating to current EU health standards | Requirements updated and harmonized with current EU animal health and food safety standards |
| Official certificate model | Official health certificate model from 2005 | New official health certificate model adapted to current regulations |
The official health certificate is the document that certifies that fresh domestic pork meat complies with EU health requirements and has been inspected and certified by the competent veterinary authorities of the exporting country, in this case Canada. Without this updated document conforming to the new model, shipments cannot enter the European market.
The measure also seeks to strengthen the health traceability of animal products, a fundamental pillar of the EU's import control system, managed through Border Inspection Posts (BIPs).
Economic and operational impact
The direct impact of this regulation is operational and documentary, not tariff-related. No new fees or tariffs are introduced, but non-compliance has real economic consequences:
- Shipment rejection at the border: A shipment rejected at a Border Inspection Post involves storage costs, return management or product destruction, plus loss of merchandise value.
- Administrative sanctions: Non-compliance with certification requirements can result in administrative sanctions under EU official control regulations.
- Operational paralysis: If the Canadian supplier does not update its documentation in time, the European importer may see its imports blocked until the situation is regularized.
- Adaptation cost: Coordination with Canadian suppliers and documentary verification involve internal management costs, especially for companies with multiple suppliers or high import volumes.
The good news is that if adaptation is carried out correctly, there is no impact on prices or commercial conditions. Access of Canadian pork to the European market is maintained, simply under new documentary requirements.
Who is affected?
- European importers of fresh domestic pork from Canada: they are the main parties obligated to verify that their suppliers issue the new certificate model.
- Meat sector operators (wholesalers, distributors, processing industries) working with Canadian pork.
- EU veterinary authorities responsible for controls at Border Inspection Posts: must apply the new documentary verification criteria.
- Canadian exporters and veterinary authorities: must issue certificates conforming to the new model approved by the European Commission.
- Customs agents and freight forwarders managing Canadian pork import operations: must be aware of the documentary change to properly advise their clients.
Practical example
A Spanish company importing fresh pork meat has a contract with a Canadian supplier with which it operates regularly. Before the entry into force of Decision 2026/1375, the health certificates accompanying each shipment followed the model established in 2005.
From now on, if that company receives a shipment with the old certificate model, the veterinary inspector at the Border Inspection Post may reject it for not complying with the new official model. This means the merchandise does not enter EU territory, generating return costs, storage in the border area or, in the worst case, product destruction.
The solution is simple but requires prior action: the importer must contact its Canadian supplier, inform them of the regulatory change and ensure that the competent Canadian veterinary authorities are already issuing certificates conforming to the new model before the next shipment leaves.
What should companies do now?
- Identify all active Canadian suppliers of fresh domestic pork meat with which your company operates, to assess the scope of the change.
- Communicate the regulatory change to each Canadian supplier, providing them with the reference to Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1375 and amended Decision 2005/290/EC, so they can coordinate with their veterinary authorities on issuing the new certificate model.
- Verify with your customs agent or freight forwarder that they know the new required certificate model, so they can detect possible documentary issues before the shipment reaches the Border Inspection Post.
- Review contracts with suppliers to include clauses guaranteeing compliance with health certification requirements in force at all times, preventing the cost of rejection from falling entirely on the importer.
- Consult with competent veterinary authorities (in Spain, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food) if you have doubts about the specific application of the new certificate model or transition periods.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if my Canadian supplier continues using the old certificate?
The shipment may be rejected at the EU Border Inspection Post for not complying with the new official health certificate model established by Decision 2026/1375. Rejection involves storage costs, return or product destruction, plus possible administrative sanctions for the importer.
When does the new certificate model for Canadian pork come into force?
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1375 was published on 25 June 2026. The regulation does not specify an entry into force date different from publication, so it is recommended to act immediately and coordinate with Canadian suppliers without delay.
What regulation does Decision 2026/1375 exactly amend?
It amends Decision 2005/290/EC, which until now regulated the certification standards and official health certificate model for EU imports of fresh domestic pork meat from Canada. The new decision updates both the certification standards and the certificate model itself.
Does this regulation affect other types of meat or other countries of origin?
No. Decision 2026/1375 affects exclusively fresh domestic pork meat intended for human consumption and imported from Canada. It does not apply to other types of meat (beef, poultry, etc.) or imports from other countries.
Who issues the new health certificate in Canada?
The official health certificate must be issued by the competent veterinary authorities of Canada. It is the responsibility of the Canadian exporter to coordinate with those authorities on issuing the certificate conforming to the new model approved by the European Commission. The European importer must require this updated document before the shipment leaves Canada.
Official source
View complete regulation at official source
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601375