UK–EU SPS agreement moves closer, with major changes ahead for food and agricultural trade

3 November 2026

 

Negotiations on a new UK–EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement have reached an advanced stage, with the UK Government aiming to conclude discussions ahead of the UK–EU Summit on 20 November 2026.

The proposed agreement could significantly change how food, agricultural products, animals and plants move between Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the European Union, reducing border checks and certification requirements while introducing changes to product standards and compliance.

In a parliamentary response published on 29 October, Defra confirmed that negotiations were at an advanced stage. The Government is targeting implementation in mid-2027, although the final arrangements and timetable remain subject to negotiation.

What is the proposed SPS agreement?

The SPS agreement is intended to simplify trade in food, feed, plants, animals and related products by aligning relevant UK requirements with EU sanitary and phytosanitary rules.

It could remove many of the administrative and regulatory barriers introduced following the UK's departure from the EU.

Under the proposed UK–EU SPS arrangements, goods moving from the EU into Great Britain, or from Great Britain into Northern Ireland, would generally no longer require:

  • Export health certificates

  • Phytosanitary certificates

  • ISPM15 markings on wood packaging material

  • Northern Ireland plant health labels

Certain exceptions may remain, including simplified certification for some movements involving live animals.

The agreement is also expected to allow trade to resume in certain products currently subject to restrictions, including fresh sausages, burgers, some shellfish and seed potatoes.

However, the final scope of these changes will depend on the negotiated agreement.

Which businesses could be affected?

The proposed arrangements could have implications for a wide range of businesses involved in producing, processing, importing or exporting agricultural and food products.

These include:

  • Food and drink manufacturers: Businesses producing processed foods, ingredients and other regulated products.

  • Agricultural and horticultural businesses: Producers and traders of plants, seeds, livestock and agricultural goods.

  • Importers and exporters: Businesses trading food, feed, plants and animal products between the UK and EU.

  • Logistics and distribution companies: Businesses managing temperature-controlled transport, documentation and cross-border movements.

  • Packaging and ingredient suppliers: Businesses supplying materials or ingredients subject to relevant food safety and product standards.

Importantly, the changes may also affect businesses that do not trade directly with the EU.

As explained in Defra's guidance for food manufacturers and processors, relevant EU rules would apply across Great Britain and Northern Ireland in areas covered by the agreement, potentially affecting domestic production, processing and product compliance.

What could change for food manufacturers and importers?

Alongside the proposed trade simplifications, businesses may need to review how their products comply with relevant EU rules.

According to Defra's business preparation guidance, areas potentially affected include:

  • Food safety, hygiene and contaminants

  • Product composition and permitted ingredients

  • Food labelling and product descriptions

  • Food contact materials and packaging

  • Pesticide residue limits and plant protection products

  • Authorisations for additives, flavourings and novel foods

  • Animal health, plant health and veterinary requirements

Businesses relying on existing Great Britain authorisations may need to establish whether these remain valid under the new arrangements.

The implications could extend across supply chains, from ingredient sourcing and production methods to packaging, labelling and distribution.

Businesses should begin reviewing their product ranges, existing compliance arrangements and supply chains to identify potential changes. Defra's guidance on preparing for the SPS agreement provides further information, including sector-specific advice.

Further details on regulatory alignment, exceptions and implementation requirements are expected once negotiations conclude, providing greater clarity for UK importers, exporters and manufacturers.

 

By Carla Assunção, Chamber International

 

Trading with the EU? Stay ahead of changing requirements.

Join our Exporting to the EU: Customs Compliance and New Packaging Rules course on 11 November 2026 to strengthen your understanding of EU trade compliance.

Need further guidance? Contact our team.

 

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