When the UK Government and the European Commission met for their summit in May 2025, one of the items highlighted by Ministers was a proposed Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement which would make it much easier to move food and agricultural products between the UK and EU.
However, while the deal was highlighted by the Government (see New UK-EU deal aims to cut red tape and make food cheaper), it became apparent that agreement on the details was many months away and that the tangible benefits would not be seen until sometime in 2027.
It seems likely that a second summit meeting, probably in July this year, will see the signing of the SPS agreement and the Government is now confident enough to give details of the expected benefits.
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.”
He said that he expects to see the removal of Export Health Certificates costing up to £200 for agri-food goods, Phytosanitary Certificates costing approximately £25 alongside inspection fees of at least £127.60 and Organic Certificates of Inspection, required for the export of organic lamb and cheese, costing on average £35.
In addition, Port Health Authority (PHA) identity check fees on meat and dairy exports, which add £31 per load on average, will be removed as will sampling which can add approximately £1200 to a cheese load, £1400 to a salmon shipment, £440 to a load of apples and £1200 to a beef load.
While negotiations remain ongoing, the Government has said, businesses are encouraged to take early steps to prepare for the changes ahead. They could, for example, respond to a call for information from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) with regard to when and what support might be useful assuming the proposed deal goes ahead.
Details of the UK-EU SPS Agreement — Call for Information can be found here, with the deadline for replies being 23 April 2026.
