As part of the deal, a new sanitary and phytosanitary agreement will aim to make it easier for food and drink to be imported and exported by reducing the red tape that Government said placed “burdens on businesses and led to lengthy lorry queues” at the border. This agreement will have no time limit.
Some routine checks on animal and plant products will be removed completely, allowing goods to flow freely again, including between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Government claimed that ultimately this could lower food prices and increase choice on supermarket shelves.
The EU is the UK’s largest trading partner. After the 21% drop in exports and 7% drop in imports seen since Brexit, the UK will also be able to sell various products, such as burgers and sausages, back into the EU again.
Government said that combined with new Emissions Trading Systems linking measures, the SPS measures would add nearly £9 billion to the UK economy by 2040.
Commenting on the new agreement Phil Pluck, CEO of the Cold Chain Federation said “We welcome the announcement that current border restrictions on medium risk food products are to be simplified. Whilst the new EU/UK extension of the current fishing from 2026 to 2038 deal is disappointing and will certainly have a detrimental effect on UK fishing communities.
Veterinary certification costs and procedures, introduced as a result of Brexit, have had a hugely negative effect on food producers and hauliers. Any measure that simplifies food movement between the UK and EU without compromising safety is welcome.
Phil Pluck, CEO of the CCF said ‘A relaxation of veterinary certification is a very welcome move for the cold chain sector and for food producers. If this transition is handled efficiently, then it bodes well for a journey back to common borders on food movement. For forty years food movement across the channel between the UK and mainland EU has been efficient, cost effective and safe.
The current arrangements have not improved food safety but have created a massive administrative and cost increase. This seems like a good first step towards a more pragmatic and shared food movement protocol.”
