The UK government has finalised a new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU designed to simplify trade in food and agricultural products. The deal aims to reduce costs, paperwork, and border delays for UK businesses trading with their largest European market, potentially adding £5.1 billion annually to the UK economy.
Under the SPS agreement, most routine checks on goods including dairy, fish, eggs, and red meat will be removed. Documentary and physical inspections, which currently affect 100% and up to 30% of shipments respectively, will no longer apply. Export Health Certificates for animals and animal products will also be scrapped, saving businesses up to £200 per shipment.
The agreement will lift EU restrictions on certain UK goods, including fresh sausages, burgers, some shellfish, and seed potatoes. This opens opportunities for businesses to expand production, access new markets, and create jobs.
The government emphasises that biosecurity protections will remain in place, with risk-based surveillance continuing until the agreement is fully implemented. The SPS framework forms part of the broader Plan for Change, aiming to enhance the efficiency of UK trade while maintaining high food safety standards.
Industry leaders are preparing to adapt supply chains to the new arrangements, focusing on faster delivery, lower operational costs, and improved trade flows across the UK-EU border.