The CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement) Market Entry Guide on Fashion, Textiles and Footwear provides a detailed overview of opportunities and requirements for EU businesses entering the Canadian market. It outlines Canada’s sector landscape, key import dynamics, consumer trends and how the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) supports EU exporters by removing tariffs and simplifying trade conditions. The guide also highlights regulatory, labelling and market preparation considerations that EU textile, apparel and footwear companies must meet when exporting to Canada. 

Key Takeaways

Canada’s Fashion, Textiles and Footwear Market

• Canada is highly import-dependent for fashion, textiles and footwear, with consistent growth in apparel, home textiles and footwear categories.  
• Womenswear remains the largest apparel segment, and online retail has expanded significantly in recent years.
• Sustainability is becoming a defining consumer expectation, with growing demand for eco-materials, responsible sourcing and transparency.

How CETA Supports EU Exporters

• CETA removes 98% of pre-existing tariffs, directly benefiting EU exporters in apparel, textiles and footwear.  
• EU exports to Canada in these sectors grew by around 23% between 2016-2019 following tariff elimination.
• Rules of origin under CETA are flexible, allowing limited use of non-originating materials while retaining preferential tariff treatment.
• Simplified customs procedures and clearer trade rules further reduce barriers for EU companies.

Market Preparation and Compliance Requirements

• Exporters must adapt to Canada’s regional differences, pricing expectations and diverse consumer preferences.  
• Canada enforces strict labelling regulations:
  • bilingual fibre content labels
  • country-of-origin declarations
  • dealer identification
• Environmental claims must be accurate and fully substantiated.
• Building strong local partnerships, investing in presence in key provinces and understanding retailer structures are critical for long-term success.

Lessons from EU Success Stories

• Case studies such as Anita and Froddo show how EU brands leveraged CETA to expand in Canada through duty savings, strong partnerships and adapted business strategies.

The guide demonstrates that CETA provides a strong competitive edge for EU textile, fashion and footwear exporters through tariff savings, streamlined trade processes and clear regulatory guidance. With rising Canadian demand for sustainability and high-quality products, EU businesses are well positioned to capture new opportunities by meeting compliance requirements and engaging with local partners.

For full insights, detailed data and complete guidance, please refer to the original CETA Market Entry Guide on Fashion, Textiles and Footwear.