UK and EU Draft SPS Agreement Aims to Remove Post‑Brexit Food Export Checks

Draft “SPS” agreement circulated ahead of UK‑EU summit

The United Kingdom and the European Union have agreed on a draft deal to remove post‑Brexit checks on food and agricultural exports, according to a 200‑page document that has been sent to EU member states in Brussels for discussion at a meeting on Wednesday.

Alongside the food text, similar drafts on emissions trading, a youth travel and work scheme and a 15‑page joint statement for the upcoming UK‑EU summit have also been distributed.

Key elements of the food export deal

Resumption of certain exports: Fresh sausages, burgers, shellfish from UK waters and seed potatoes could be shipped to the EU again.

Removal of certificates: The £200 Export Health Certificates and the £25 Phytosanitary certificates would no longer be required.

Elimination of fees and checks: Inspector fees, organic certificates, some port fees and other export‑import checks could be scrapped.

Pet travel: Passports for British pets entering the EU would be reinstated.

UK commitments

In return, the United Kingdom is expected to continue observing and adapting to existing EU regulations on plant, animal and food trade standards, a process described as “dynamic alignment”.

Economic impact

The government claims the agreement could eventually generate £5.1 billion of annual benefits for the UK economy.

Political backdrop

The elements of the deal were discussed under Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership; the summit was delayed after Labour changed its leader in July. Under Andy Burnham, Britain’s post‑Brexit approach to the EU has shifted, with Burnham expressing a desire to see the UK back in the EU within his lifetime, whereas Starmer said re‑joining would not happen in his lifetime.

Industry reaction

Jon Walsh, chief executive and co‑founder of Bio&Me, told BBC 5 Live that the draft deal sounded like “really good news”.