UK and EU negotiate SPS trade deal that could boost economy by £5.1 billion

The United Kingdom and the European Union are discussing a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) trade agreement that would eliminate many checks on imported and exported food and agricultural goods. The talks are slated to conclude at the EU summit on 20 November, where three agreements – covering food and drink, emissions trading and youth mobility – are expected to be presented.

The draft, prepared by the EU side, proposes to lift documentary and physical inspections that currently apply to products such as sausages, cheese, flowers, shellfish and seed potatoes. If adopted, British exporters could send fresh sausages, burgers, certain shellfish and seed potatoes to the EU without the 100 percent documentary checks and up to 30 percent physical checks that are in place today.

The UK government estimates the deal could contribute up to £5.1 billion a year to the British economy by reducing costs for farmers, producers and other businesses. It would also require the UK to continue complying with existing EU standards on plant, animal and food trade.

A government spokesperson said:

"We are building an ambitious, close relationship with the EU that will strengthen our economy, protect British industry, and create more opportunities for young people across the UK."

Proposed cost reductions include the removal of £200 Export Health Certificates, £25 Phytosanitary Certificates and organic inspection certificates that average £35 each, as well as inspector fees of at least £127.60 and various port charges. Sampling fees – for example, around £1,200 for a cheese load or £1,400 for a salmon shipment – could also be eliminated.

In addition, the agreement could reinstate multi-use passports for British pets travelling to the EU, replacing the current animal health certificates.

The negotiations are ongoing, with both UK and EU delegations finalising the terms before the summit.