UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary deal could slash red meat export friction

A proposed UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement could significantly ease post-Brexit trade barriers for the red meat sector, with the removal of export health certificates (EHCs) and border checks potentially on the table, delegates at the AHDB red meat export conference heard. The importance of trade with the EU was highlighted after figures revealed it as the dominant market, representing 81% of UK red meat export value. READ MORE: UK trade opportunities with EU and US highlighted at red meat export conference Speaking at the event, Dr Annette Kliemann, First Counsellor for Agriculture and Food at the EU Delegation in London, said the UK and EU were actively negotiating an SPS agreement aimed at making agri-food trade ‘easier, quicker and cheaper' while maintaining food safety and biosecurity standards. Her comments were echoed by Lou Leighton-McTague, Defra's Deputy Director for Business Readiness and Borders for Retail Processing, who said negotiations were in their ‘final stages' and officials hoped to conclude talks within the coming months. The UK and EU remain each other's biggest agri-food trading partners, but Brexit has undeniably introduced heavy logistical and administrative burdens for exporters. For meat exporters, the proposed agreement could represent the biggest reduction in post-Brexit bureaucracy to date. Ms Leighton-McTague said Government wanted to see the removal of EHCs, phytosanitary certificates and many border checks, reducing delays, spoilage and costs for businesses. She added the agreement should also support ‘much smoother movements' of food between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. A central feature of negotiations is expected to be dynamic alignment, meaning the UK would follow EU SPS rules in areas covered by the agreement. Dr Kliemann said this was essential to building trust and removing border friction, arguing both sides needed confidence products were produced to the same standards. However, she acknowledged negotiations remained complex because UK and EU regulations had diverged since Brexit. The agreement is expected to extend beyond food safety to include live animals, organics, pesticides and marketing standards, all areas that currently generate paperwork and certification requirements. Defra said it had already begun preparing businesses for change, publishing guidance on regulations in scope and working with industry bodies to improve understanding ahead of implementation. While no formal timeline has been confirmed, both speakers pointed to a target implementation date of mid-2027, though Defra acknowledged this remained ambitious. READ MORE: Despite political tensions new opportunities emerge for trade with US, conference hears