SPS deal set to remove Brexit burden on agri-food hauliers
A draft deal to remove sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) checks on imports and exports of food and animal products between the EU and UK has reportedly been finalised, and is likely to be implemented in early 2028.
The landmark agreement is set to remove much of the administrative burden placed on hauliers, importers and exporters of such products as a result of Brexit.
It will enable the vast majority of movements of animal and plant products between Great Britain, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the EU to take place without the currently required certificates and controls.
A joint statement is expected to be made by the prime minister Andy Burnham and EU leaders at a summit on 20 November.
Commenting on the reports, Logistics UK’s chief executive Ben Fletcher said a deal on SPS would represent a significant step in reducing trade friction and boosting growth.
“Further progress towards concluding an SPS deal with the EU is hugely positive news for British businesses, including the logistics operators that drive economic growth by keeping trade moving,” he said.
“With the EU accounting for around 40 per cent of UK exports, Logistics UK has consistently called for a comprehensive SPS agreement, with such a deal predicted to add £5.1bn a year to the UK economy. Our own analysis shows it could reduce export costs by up to 8 per cent on affected agri-food goods and save between £150 and £250 per consignment. This is particularly significant for groupage operators, which incur charges on every consignment within the mixed loads they carry.”
He added that a finalised UK-EU SPS agreement would also significantly reduce checks, paperwork and delays on agri-food and plant products movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, making supply chains more efficient and lowering costs for logistics operators, retailers and manufacturers.
“This will make it easier for new suppliers and innovative products to generate new business in the EU market, which is vital for growth,” said Mr Fletcher.
“The logistics sector underpins the whole economy and wants to see the upcoming UK-EU Summit build on this momentum and commit to identifying further opportunities to reduce unnecessary barriers to trade. With every £1 of GVA generated directly by the logistics sector supporting a further £1.04 of economic activity across the economy, improving the UK’s trading relationship with its largest market is an opportunity that will benefit businesses, consumers and growth nationwide.”
Richard Smith, managing director of the Road Haulage Association, said: “We strongly welcome the work undertaken by the UK government and European Commission to introduce a new SPS agreement from 2027.
“However, additional measures are needed to reduce unnecessary administration and unpredictable border delays. This all affects competitiveness and investment decisions, and these pressures don’t stop with transport operators. Every unnecessary delay, additional cost or lost commercial opportunity has a wider economic consequence. Making trade easier is about creating the conditions for businesses across the economy to succeed.”
He identified the introduction of the EU Entry/Exit System as another area where practical cooperation was “essential”.
“Secure borders matter, but the systems used to manage them must also be efficient, proportionate and workable. Commercial transport depends upon reliability and predictability, so delays at borders affect delivery schedules, vehicle utilisation, operating costs and customers.
“We also need continued progress on simplifying customs procedures, improving digital systems and reducing unnecessary bureaucracy. For smaller businesses in particular, these changes could make international trade more accessible and commercially viable.”
