The UK Government has published updated information for businesses on the proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement, commonly referred to as the SPS Agreement.
According to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, the UK and the European Union agreed on 19 May 2025 to pursue a new SPS Agreement. The Government states that the agreement is intended to make the movement of relevant goods easier, cheaper and more predictable between the UK and the EU, as well as within the UK, including movements from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
The agreement is expected to cover a wide range of areas relating to the trade, production and movement of plants, animals and their products, food and feed safety, food labelling, organics, agri-food marketing standards, pesticides and biocides. Businesses likely to be affected include farmers, food and drink businesses, hauliers, logistics providers, importers and exporters of SPS goods, retailers, wholesalers, seed and plant suppliers, and related professional sectors.
The Government has indicated that the agreement is intended to take effect in mid-2027. However, businesses in the agri-food sector are being encouraged to start preparing now, including those that do not currently trade with the EU. Areas that may require operational review include processing methods, certification and labelling, IT systems, supply chain arrangements and compliance with EU rules falling within the scope of the agreement.
The Government has also stated that the agreement may bring practical benefits, including reduced border paperwork, fewer routine checks for certain EU imports, faster supply chains, and renewed access to markets for products such as fresh sausages, burgers, certain shellfish and seed potatoes. Export Health Certificates, which can currently cost up to £200 per consignment, are expected no longer to be required for relevant trade once the agreement is implemented.
Businesses can read the Government’s full update here: UK-EU SPS Agreement: Information for Businesses.
The Government has confirmed that further guidance, including sector-specific information, checklists, webinars and business bulletins, will be made available as implementation progresses. Businesses operating in food, farming, retail, logistics and import/export supply chains may wish to monitor future updates closely to understand how the proposed changes may affect their operations.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice.