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Government unveils new SPS deal with EU

[ March 9, 2026   //   ]

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds unveiled details of a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU on 9 March.

The deal would remove the need for Export Health Certificates costing up to £200 for agri-food goods, Phytosanitary Certificates (around £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, Port Health Authority (PHA) identity check fees on meat and dairy exports, adding £31 per load on average and sampling which can add between £400 and £1,200 depending on the commodity.

The government is aiming to finalise negotiations on  the deal with the EU this year, allowing it to come into operation in mid-2027. Businesses are meanwhile being encouraged to take early steps to prepare for the changes ahead. 

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. 

It says that businesses should continue to follow the current trading requirements until any new agreement takes effect, including continued compliance with the Windsor Framework for Northern Ireland trade until such time the agreement removes the need.

Reynolds said the deal would free British food and farming businesses from paperwork, unnecessary delays and costs of opening opportunities for importers and exporters and “helping put British produce back on European tables”. 

The government says that since the UK left the EU in 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, leading to some businesses closing their doors.

Reynolds added that businesses will benefit from a simpler, cheaper process for moving most agrifood goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The government has launched a six-week Call for Information to understand how it can best support businesses and has also published more detail on the scope of the agreement, and which sectors the deal will focus on.

Head of trade policy at Logistics UK James Mills described the move as “a significant step to reduce border friction and boost trade that, according to experts, has the potential to boost the UK economy by £5.1 billion every year.”

He said that since the UK’s decision to leave the EU was announced, Logistics UK has been calling for a comprehensive  SPS agreement. He added: “UK businesses are currently forced to trade with one hand tied behind their backs as they deal with the administrative cost and delays caused by the UK’s decision to leave the EU. Current SPS requirements add cost and complexity to supply chains with certificates and inspections adding hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds to the cost of each load.”

He called for negotiations to progress as quickly as possible so the new agreement can be delivered as expected by mid-2027.

This was echoed by the managing director of M&S Food, Alex Freudmann, who said: “The sooner this deal is done the better – it will remove unnecessary bureaucracy between the EU and the UK, easing cost pressures on serving our customers across Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. It will also give much needed relief to British farmers in exporting meat, fruit and veg into Europe.

“It’s now time for all businesses to prepare for this shift so we can make the most of the opportunity – we’ll be getting to work with our suppliers right away.” 

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