The proposed UK–EU SPS agreement could represent a significant step forward for the poultry industry, reducing trade barriers while maintaining essential food safety standards.
Recent reports from the BBC and The Guardian suggest that the UK and EU have agreed a draft Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, potentially removing many of the border checks and certification requirements affecting food trade. The agreement, now reportedly expected to take effect in early 2028, could significantly simplify the movement of fresh and frozen poultry between the UK and EU.
The proposals could remove the requirement for Export Health Certificates, alongside certain veterinary inspections and border fees. According to Logistics UK, the changes could save businesses approximately £150–£250 per affected consignment, potentially reducing export costs by up to 8%.
These developments are particularly relevant to the poultry sector, where tight margins and the limited shelf life of chilled products make efficient supply chains essential. With rising fuel prices adding further pressure to transport and distribution costs, reducing unnecessary administration and border delays could help businesses maintain competitiveness. At a time when food price inflation remains a concern, removing avoidable costs from the supply chain would be a positive development.
The proposals have understandably raised questions about how food safety and biosecurity will be maintained with fewer border inspections. These are important considerations, particularly for the poultry industry, where risks associated with Salmonella, avian influenza and other animal health concerns require effective oversight.
However, removing routine border checks does not necessarily mean reducing food safety standards. EU poultry producers already operate under comprehensive regulations covering food hygiene, veterinary controls and product traceability. The proposed agreement is based on closer alignment between UK and EU regulatory requirements, potentially removing the need for duplicated controls. Effective surveillance, traceability and the ability to respond rapidly to disease outbreaks must remain central to any new arrangements.
Efficient international trade and rigorous food safety standards should go hand in hand. The proposed SPS agreement offers an opportunity to achieve both, provided the final arrangements deliver meaningful commercial benefits without compromising the safeguards that protect our food supply.
Sources:
Logistics UK: SPS deal will remove trade friction and drive growth
BBC: UK and EU agree draft deal to scrap Brexit red tape over food exports
