In our previous post, Improving EU trade: what you need to know, we explained how the government is working towards a new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the European Union (EU).
The agreement aims to make it easier to trade and move plants, animals, food and related products between the UK and EU. It is expected to take effect from around mid-2027.
This may affect your business if you produce, handle, trade or move animals, food, plants or related products, including animal products, feed, pesticides and biocides.
We’ve published new guidance on the SPS agreement to help businesses understand what the agreement could mean in practice and the steps they may need to take to prepare.
The guidance covers:
- which businesses and sectors could be affected by the agreement
- the areas currently expected to be in scope, including food safety, plant health and animal welfare
- areas where the UK may continue to keep its own rules
- how Defra is working with businesses to support preparations
- what businesses may need to know about digital systems
- potential changes to processes such as certification, paperwork and border checks
- how businesses can stay informed as negotiations progress
The guidance also includes information for specific sectors and businesses including:
- food manufacturing, processing and standards
- genetic technologies sector
- logistics, hauliers and customs agents
- organics sector
- veterinary sector
- horticulture sector
Preparing
It’s a good time to start thinking about how the agreement could affect your business.
This might include reviewing your supply chains and movements, speaking to suppliers, customers or vets, and checking advice from your sector or trade body.
To stay informed, you can:
- connect with your trade body or industry association
- engage with your supply chain to understand any changes that may apply
- sign up for Defra email alerts and the business readiness mailing list to receive the latest updates
We’ll continue to share updates as more detail becomes available, so subscribe to the Farming Blog for a notification as soon as we publish a new post.
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