Chief executive of the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) John Powell will appear before the House of Lords European Committee to give evidence on the prospective sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement.
Powell will address the Committee as part of its current inquiry into dynamic alignment, and will be joined by Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and Richard Ballantyne, chief executive of the British Ports Association.
The session will likely look at the “current burden” of SPS checks, which BMPA said were “significantly damaging” exports, increasing costs, and holding back growth. John Powell will highlight the “significant benefits” that will come from a well-crafted SPS agreement.
Exports to the EU fall
BMPA pointed out that UK meat exports to the EU had fallen sharply since 2019, with beef down more than 20%, sheepmeat down more than 15%, and pork exports cut by more than a third.
At the same time, it observed that businesses were facing “escalating” compliance costs. Since 2020, the agri-food sector spent an estimated £289 million on export certification alone, with ongoing annual costs for the meat sector exceeding £50 million. BMPA said that for exporters, each shipment can now carry additional costs of £2,500-£3,000 per load, driven by paperwork, inspections, and border delays. Members of the trade body described these as “non-value-added costs” that do nothing to support productivity or growth.
BMPA highlighted that a key point for the red meat sector is that its supply chains are, in practice, already aligned with EU standards. With very few exceptions, some part of every animal slaughtered in the UK is destined for the EU market, and as a result, farms, livestock hauliers, abattoirs, and processors must already operate in full compliance with current and updated EU sanitary and phytosanitary requirements. In effect, much of the current certification burden is verifying compliance with standards the sector is already meeting as a matter of course.
A number of key issues will be raised by BMPA during the session.
Opportunity for growth through SPS agreement
BMPA will argue that a new SPS agreement with the EU has the potential to unlock “significant long-term benefits” beyond immediate cost savings. By reducing friction and restoring flexibility, BMPA said that the agreement will help rebuild trade flows, support smaller exporters and re-establish closer commercial ties with EU customers.
The EU remains the UK’s closest and largest market for red meat, accounting for up to 90% of sheepmeat exports and around 80% of beef exports, claimed BMPA, so the opportunities for growth in the UK “far outweigh” those in markets further afield.
“Customs works – SPS is the real barrier”
Evidence to the Committee will stress that the current customs processes are functioning effectively, costing as little as £20 per load. In contrast, SPS requirements, which cover health certification, veterinary checks and inspections, are the primary source of friction and cost.
BMPA members have said that, rather than tariffs being the issue, trade is being blocked by “complex and costly processes” that slow supply chains and undermine competitiveness.
Disproportionate impact on smaller businesses
Smaller exporters have been hardest hit, BMPA stated, particularly due to the collapse of “groupage”. This is the ability to share transport across multiple consignments. Without it, many smaller firms have reportedly been priced out of EU trade altogether, reducing market access and limiting growth opportunities.
Call for clarity on transition
As part of his evidence to the Committee, John Powell will also call for clear and timely Government guidance on any transition to a new SPS framework.
Powell will cover how uncertainty risks disrupting supply chains, particularly for products already in cold storage at the time of the change-over. According to BMPA, it could also create workforce challenges if veterinary capacity declines ahead of implementation as vets leave the industry in anticipation of losing work after a new SPS agreement comes into force.
The BMPA will emphasise the need for a well-defined transition period, with firm timelines and practical solutions on labelling, certification, and stock already in the system.
