On 19 May 2025, the UK and EU reached a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement as part of wider efforts to reset their post-Brexit relationship.
The deal introduces a more cooperative framework for managing food safety and animal health standards, with the goal of easing the movement of Products of Animal Origin (POAO) such as meat, dairy, and seafood between the two markets.
Key Impacts
1. Fewer Checks and Less Red Tape
The agreement is expected to reduce certain border checks and streamline paperwork for POAO. This should make it easier and faster to move goods between the UK and EU. It’s a significant boost for smaller exporters, many of whom have faced challenges under post-Brexit trade rules. Since 2019, UK food and drink exports to the EU had dropped by around one-third—this deal aims to help reverse that decline.
2. Smoother Transit Through Great Britain
A related update implemented in September 2024 changed how SPS checks are managed for goods transiting through Great Britain. For consignments using the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS), all inspection notifications are now delivered through GVMS, helping drivers quickly determine whether their load requires inspection. This improves clarity and reduces transit delays for POAO.
3. Economic and Market Benefits
The UK government estimates the SPS deal could contribute up to £9 billion to the UK economy by 2040. It also paves the way for a wider range of British food products—such as burgers and shellfish—to re-enter EU markets, reducing costs and improving availability for businesses and consumers alike.
4. Reinstatement of Trusted Trader Schemes
While full mutual recognition has not been restored, the agreement makes room for the exploration of simplified procedures for certified operators or trusted traders. There is potential for future agreements on pre-clearance or reduced inspection rates for compliant POAO consignments. This could significantly benefit businesses with strong compliance records and robust supply chain controls.
5. Facilitation of Groupage Shipments
One of the most problematic areas post-Brexit has been groupage—when mixed consignments from different producers are consolidated into one load. The SPS deal opens the door to simplified certification and inspection procedures for groupage movements. This would reduce delays and administrative burdens for logistics providers handling smaller or mixed POAO loads. This is particularly beneficial for SMEs and exporters of niche or artisan products.
Conclusion
This SPS agreement represents a positive step for the UK’s POAO sector. It removes key trade barriers, restores market access, and simplifies cross-border movement. Businesses involved in the production, export, or transit of animal products should see meaningful benefits—but it remains important to stay up to date with implementation details and procedural changes.
Sources:
IMTA: Representing members engaged in the international meat trade
GOV.UK: UK-EU Summit – Explainer
