UK and EU Finalize Draft SPS Agreement to Remove Food Border Checks from 2028
A 200-page draft agreement removes export health certificates, veterinary inspection fees and other agri-food trade costs, with dynamic alignment to EU standards and implementation targeted for Q1 2028.
The United Kingdom and European Union have finalized a draft 200-page Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement that removes most border checks on agri-food trade. The draft eliminates export health certificates costing around 200 pounds each, phytosanitary certificates around 25 pounds, veterinary inspection fees, organic certification and some port charges. It also reopens access for fresh sausages and burgers, shellfish and seed potatoes to the EU market.
Under the agreement, the UK will dynamically align with EU food safety and animal and plant health standards, including future amendments. Implementation is targeted for the first quarter of 2028, with signature planned at the EU-UK summit on 20 November, subject to review by the 27 member states.
The UK government estimates the deal is worth 5.1 billion pounds per year to the British economy. Industry bodies, including the British Meat Processors Association, caution that transition arrangements for labeled products already held in cold storage still require clarity.