The United Kingdom and the European Union have reached agreement on a draft document that provides for the removal of most veterinary and phytosanitary checks on trade in food and agricultural products. Sources in London and Brussels reported this.
The document is the so-called sanitary and phytosanitary agreement (SPS). The roughly 200-page draft has already been sent to EU member states for consideration. It is expected to be discussed at a meeting of EU ambassadors. The new rules are planned to take effect in the first quarter of 2028 after final approval and the completion of the necessary procedures.
The agreement is intended to significantly simplify trade between the UK and the EU after Brexit. It provides for the abolition of most export health certificates, phytosanitary certificates, and the associated fees and checks. As a result, exports of a number of British products that previously faced restrictions will resume: fresh sausages and burgers, shellfish from domestic waters, and seed potatoes. In addition, pet passports for British animals travelling to EU countries should be restored.
The UK government estimates the potential annual economic benefit of the agreement at around £5.1 billion. The document is the most significant part of the so-called “reset” of relations with the EU and is being prepared for the UK–EU summit scheduled for 20 November.
In return for simplified procedures, the UK commits to the principle of “dynamic alignment” — that is, following current and future EU rules on plant, animal and food safety standards. The British government had previously aimed for the agreement to enter into force in mid-2027, but the timetable has been pushed back.
The agreement is particularly important for Northern Ireland: it is expected to significantly reduce the amount of documentation and checks on the movement of food products from the rest of the UK.
Final approval of the document is still ahead. It will be reviewed by the EU member states, after which formal approval will be required and UK legislation will need to be brought into line with the new requirements.
