Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds has set out how Government believes UK exporters and importers will be affected by the new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement.
Reynolds said this will free British food and farming businesses from the “mountains of paperwork, unnecessary delays and spiralling costs” of current arrangements, while cutting red tape, opening opportunities for growth for large and small importers and exporters across the country.
Government said it is working toward a mid-2027 start date for the new agreement and the Government wants businesses in the agri-food sector to start getting ready now. This includes those that do not currently trade with the EU.
The costs to businesses expected to be removed by the deal include:
- Export Health Certificates costing up to £200 for agri-food goods.
- Phytosanitary Certificates costing approximately £25 alongside inspection fees of at least £127.60.
- Organic Certificates of Inspection, required for the export of organic lamb and cheese, costing on average £35.
- Identity check fees on meat and dairy exports adding £31 per load on average.
- Sampling, which can add approximately £1,200 to a cheese load, £1,400 to a salmon shipment, £440 to a load of apples, and £1,200 to a beef load.
While negotiations remain ongoing, businesses are being encouraged by Government to take early steps to prepare for the changes ahead. Negotiations are expected to be finalised later in 2026.
Under the deal, the Government has committed UK businesses involved in the production or processing of plants, food, animals and animal products to aligning with EU rules. This applies to domestic producers and those trading with the rest of the world, meaning businesses that do not currently export may also need to adapt their practices.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) highlighted that since 2018, the value of exports of food and agricultural products to the EU have fallen by 22%, a drop of almost £4 billion in real terms.
According to Defra, the agreement will allow trade to flow faster, meaning imports of fresh produce could “reach supermarket shelves more quickly” and supply chains will become “more resilient”.
“More great British produce will be on European tables thanks to this agreement.”
Peter Kyle, Department for Business and Trade
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: “We are resetting our relationship with the EU, our closest and largest trading partner, to make trade easier and cheaper, and deliver tangible benefits for British businesses.
“By reducing delays and unnecessary paperwork, this deal will help keep shelves stocked, protect jobs and put downward pressure on food price inflation for families across the country.
“British businesses deserve better and we will work hand-in-hand with them to ensure this deal is a success.”
Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: “More great British produce will be on European tables thanks to this agreement, which will reduce barriers for exporters and create new opportunities for farmers and businesses across all parts of the UK.
“By reducing paperwork for these exports, this deal will ensure our world‑leading food and drink can reach customers all around Europe easier than ever before.
“To help preparations, the Government has today launched a six-week Call for Information to understand how it can best support businesses to make the most of this opportunity.”
NFU calls for sufficient transaction measures
Responding to the regulations, president of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Tom Bradshaw, commented: “The main thing we’re hearing from our members is the need for a sufficient transition period. Farming is a long-term business – many farmers are making production decisions now that will impact food sold beyond mid-2027.
“The Government has said it is considering transitional arrangements for some sectors. If this Agreement is to work for the British farming sector, it cannot be bound by an impractical deadline which will only increase the cost of producing food, both for the domestic and EU market. We need Government to take a pragmatic approach and give farmers the time needed to adjust.
“The SPS Agreement covers hundreds of pieces of regulation, and it’s important Defra takes time to explain to farmers and growers how alignment with the EU rules could affect their businesses.
“We want to hear about any concerns members have over the implementation of the SPS Agreement so we can provide a clear picture to Government of what is needed to ensure farmers and growers can benefit from this deal.”
NFU has asked for:
- A transitional arrangement for rules on organic practices, plant protection and biocidal products so British farmers don’t face a cliff-edge scenario.
- UK industry progress in combatting anti-microbial resistance and precision breeding technology to be safeguarded, supporting the UK’s drive towards sustainable, resilient and innovative food production.
- The Government to preserve GB’s ability to continue to develop and potentially deploy a cattle vaccine for bovine TB.
