The UK and EU have agreed a draft deal aimed at removing many of the post-Brexit checks and certificates required for food and agricultural exports.
The proposed agreement, which still needs approval, would bring the two sides closer to common rules for plant, animal and food products. The government estimates it could eventually deliver £5.1bn in annual benefits to the UK economy.
Lower costs and simpler trade
Fresh sausages, burgers, shellfish from UK waters and seed potatoes could resume exports to the EU under the plans. Exporters would also no longer need £200 Export Health Certificates or £25 phytosanitary certificates for covered products.
Some inspection, organic certification and port fees could also be removed, while British pet owners would regain access to pet passports when travelling to the EU.
The trade-off would be a commitment to follow and adapt to relevant EU rules, known as dynamic alignment. Business groups and farmers’ representatives have backed the proposals, although some Brexit campaigners have criticised the return of shared regulations.
The agreement could be especially important for Northern Ireland, where food products arriving from Great Britain currently face paperwork and, in some cases, physical checks because of its position within the EU single market for goods.
Why it matters for Britain
Simpler checks could reduce costs and delays for British food businesses selling into the EU, improving access to a major nearby market. The plans could also ease the flow of goods into Northern Ireland and reduce some of the paperwork facing exporters.
