UK businesses are being encouraged to start preparing now for a major new agri-food trade agreement with the European Union that the government says will make exporting and importing

faster, cheaper and far less bureaucratic.

The proposed Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement aims to remove significant trade barriers between the UK and its largest trading partner. Ministers say the deal will reduce paperwork, cut inspection costs and improve the flow of goods across borders—offering relief to farmers, food producers and exporters who have struggled with complex post-Brexit requirements.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said the agreement marks an important step in rebuilding a smoother trading relationship with the EU and could help British producers regain lost market share.

According to government figures, UK exports of food and agricultural products to the EU have fallen by 22% since 2018—equivalent to nearly £4 billion in real terms. The decline has squeezed margins for many producers and forced some businesses to scale back or close.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: “We are resetting our relationship with the EU, our closest and largest trading partner, to make trade easier and cheaper, and deliver tangible benefits for British businesses.  

We are talking about real businesses, real employers: the Somerset cheesemaker with export trade halved, the Welsh shellfish trader turning down orders because their catch isn’t fresh by the time the paperwork is done, the Scottish farmer who can no longer sell seed potatoes to customers they’ve supplied for decades. 

By reducing delays and unnecessary paperwork, this deal will help keep shelves stocked, protect jobs and put downward pressure on food price inflation for families across the country.   

British businesses deserve better and we will work hand-in-hand with them to ensure this deal is a success”.

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.

To help preparations, the government has today launched a six-week Call for Information to understand how it can best support businesses to make the most of this opportunity”. 

Major cost savings for businesses

The government estimates that the agreement could eliminate several costly requirements currently imposed on exporters, including:

 - Export Health Certificates costing up to £200 per shipment

- Phytosanitary certificates costing around £25 plus inspection fees of at least £127.60

- Organic certificates for products such as lamb and cheese costing about £35

- Identity check fees on meat and dairy exports averaging £31 per load

- Sampling costs that can add £1,200 to a cheese shipment, £1,400 to salmon exports, £440 to apples and £1,200 to beef shipments

Ministers say removing these costs would significantly improve competitiveness for British producers.

Preparing for a 2027 launch

The government is aiming for the new SPS agreement to take effect in mid-2027. To help businesses prepare, officials have launched a six-week “Call for Information” to gather feedback from the industry on the support companies will need.

Officials are also urging businesses—including those that currently do not trade with the EU—to begin preparing for regulatory alignment with EU standards covering plants, animals and food products.

In the meantime, companies must continue following existing trading rules, including those set out under the Windsor Framework.

Industry welcomes progress

Business leaders have largely welcomed the move, saying it could remove friction that has slowed trade since Brexit.

Alex Freudmann, Managing Director of M&S Food said: “It’s good to see that the Government’s EU reset is moving forward, with a renewed commitment to implementation in mid-2027.  

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.” 

Bas Padberg, UK Managing Director, Arla Foods said:  “The progress being made on reducing friction in the UK-EU trading relationship will be good news for Arla and our farmer owners, as well as for consumers, for food security, and for growing exports into Europe.  

Making sure these changes deliver the maximum benefit for everyone is vitally important, which is why we strongly welcome government’s commitment to work with businesses and other stakeholders on getting the practical details right”.

Sean Ramsden, CEO of Ramsden International said:  “We’re extremely excited by the forthcoming UK-EU SPS Agreement, which we firmly believe will re-open the European market to the amazing assortment of British food and drink we export.  

The system since Brexit has made exporting to the EU complicated and expensive, so eradicating this friction should allow us to make significant gains and recover much of the revenues lost as a result of Brexit. Truly a win for both British suppliers, and European consumers”.

Steps businesses can take now

While negotiations continue, companies are being advised to start preparing by:

- Engaging with trade bodies and industry associations for sector-specific guidance

- Speaking with suppliers and partners to assess potential supply chain changes

- Signing up for government updates on negotiations and implementation timelines

- Responding to the government’s Call for Information to highlight support needs

Detailed guidance is expected to be released as negotiations progress, ensuring farmers, food processors, retailers and logistics companies are ready to benefit when the agreement comes into force.

If finalized later this year as planned, the deal could mark a significant shift in UK-EU food trade—offering businesses a chance to rebuild exports and simplify cross-border commerce. Photo by Pam Brophy, Wikimedia commons.