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Reason for the changesÌýÌýÌý

The UK government isÌýnegotiating an agreementÌýwith the EU on the trade and movement of plants, plant products, animals, animal products,ÌýfeedÌýand food. This is called a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement.Ìý

The agreement means Great Britain (England,ÌýScotlandÌýand Wales)Ìýand Northern IrelandÌýwill apply certain rules in line with the EU.ÌýThese arrangements will applyÌýwhether or notÌýyou trade directly with the EU.ÌýIt is our intention that the agreement will take effect in mid-2027.Ìý

As EU rules change in the future, rules in Great Britain will update too. The UK will contribute to the decision-shaping process on future EU rules that will also apply in Great Britain.Ìý

Read more about the benefits inÌýthe UK-EU SPS agreement – information for businesses news story.Ìý

As negotiations are ongoing, not all details are confirmed at this stage. This includes detailed requirements and the exact timing of when arrangements will change. We recognise that some businesses will take longer to comply and we are committed to working with them to ensure a smooth transition. Further information will be provided following the completion of negotiations.Ìý

WhyÌýthis mattersÌý

The changes under the SPS agreement are relevant to allÌýfarmers,ÌýgrowersÌýand associated businessesÌýacross Great BritainÌýinvolved in:Ìý

• producing and moving foodÌý
• plants, plant products (such asÌýtimber)Ìýand other regulated objects (such asÌýused agricultural machinery)Ìý
• animal products, germinalÌýproductsÌýand live animalsÌý
• supporting these sectors, including arable and livestock farming, the horticulture trade, forestry, aquaculture, veterinarians, advisors and industry bodies

The agreementÌýwill shape how standards are set and applied across the sector. Specifically, the changes might:Ìý

• affect whatÌýyou produceÌýand move,Ìýand how youÌýdo this,ÌýincludingÌýthe standards that youÌýmustÌýmeetÌýÌý
• open new opportunities for trade and change the way you do thisÌý
• impact costs and processesÌý
• affectÌýyouÌýthrough supply chainsÌýÌý

What thisÌýmeansÌýfor the farming and growing sectorÌý

These changes may affect:Ìý

• types of inputsÌýandÌýtheir cost and applicationÌý(such asÌýfeed, pesticides, biocides)Ìý
• the timeÌýyou need to takeÌýand processesÌýyouÌýneedÌýto followÌýfor compliance (such asÌýrecord keeping, checksÌýandÌýmarketing requirements)Ìý
• what your buyers or suppliersÌýrequireÌýfrom youÌý
• the control measures put in place during pest and disease outbreaksÌý

WhatÌýbusinesses shouldÌýknowÌýat this stageÌý

Organisations and businesses, including farmers,Ìýgrowers, tradersÌýandÌýaquaculturists, are encouraged to continue engaging with the process to be ready by mid-2027.ÌýÌý

At thisÌýstage,Ìýyou are not expected to make detailed changes. You should consider the changes toÌýtheÌýrequirements and how they could affect your business. The government will provide more detail in summer 2026, including next steps.ÌýÌýÌýÌý

What we knowÌýnow (and what will be confirmed later)Ìý

As negotiations with the EU are ongoing, notÌýall ofÌýtheÌýdetails are confirmed at this stage. This information outlines what is known now to help you start planning, with further detail to follow later this year.ÌýÌýÌý

Plants, plant products,ÌýcropsÌýand other regulatedÌýobjectsÌý

ThereÌýwillÌýbe changes to requirements for plants and plant products, including in areas such as plant checks, certification and movement controls. TheseÌýchangesÌýcould affect how plants are grownÌýandÌýmoved.ÌýChanges could also affect the movement of other regulated objects, such as used agricultural and forestry machinery and equipment, between Great Britain and the EU.Ìý

If you growÌýplants and cropsÌýÌý

The rules that you need to follow if you produce or move plants and plant products will change.ÌýFor instance, EU plant passports will replace UK plant passports.ÌýÌý

Aligning with EU plant health requirements will mean that some pests will be categorised differently and GreatÌýBritainÌýwill need to adopt the EU categorisations. This may impact the ways in which you manage these pests and diseases.Ìý

The rules on pesticides and biocidesÌýwill change. Ìý

TheÌýplant protection product (PPP),ÌýmaximumÌýresidue levels (MRLs)Ìýand biocides processes are complex and have diverged from EU rules since EU Exit. For example,ÌýtheÌýEU and GreatÌýBritainÌýhave taken different decisions on the approval, withdrawal or renewal of approval of active substances. Some decisions have also been taken at different times or accounted for environmental conditions or socio-economic needs specific to either Great Britain or the EU. These challenges are being worked through during negotiations. We are considering what targeted arrangements may be possible for areas where it will be most challenging to implement the necessary changes under the agreement.

For pesticides,ÌýthisÌýmeansÌýthat inÌýGreatÌýBritainÌýactive substances and pesticide maximum residue levels (MRLs) will be aligned with the EU. This means that when EU rules on active substances and maximum residue levels change, they will be mirrored in GreatÌýBritain.  ThisÌýmay affect:Ìý

• the pesticidesÌýand biocides you can buyÌý
• how you can use themÌý
• the types of products you can useÌýon your farmÌý
• the maximum residue levels (MRLs) permitted in foodÌýand animal feed

This mayÌýhave implications for you and how you manage yourÌýbusiness even if you do not trade with the EU.  Ìý

You may need to consider switching to alternative active substances if some pesticides or biocides are no longer approved under the new system. Some pesticide products could be withdrawn, or have their uses limited. Others may become available. Ìý

BusinessesÌýshould work with industry bodies to understand where they are most reliant on plant protection products that are incompatible with EU requirements. They will also need to consider methods for safe use-up and disposal of any products that will no longer be permitted for use under the new system. Ìý

If you breedÌýplants and cropsÌýÌý

Alignment with the EU on plant variety rightsÌýwill giveÌýyouÌýthe option to protect your plant varieties across the UK and EU through a single right.ÌýThis will make it easier forÌýyouÌýto controlÌýhow yourÌýplant varietiesÌýare usedÌýacrossÌýboth markets.Ìý

You will be able to apply to list your plant varieties in one EU member state country or in Great Britain’s national catalogue of varieties. For example,Ìýif accepted on toÌýthe Great Britain Variety List, your plant varieties will be added to the EU’s Common Catalogue of varieties.Ìý

Alignment with certification and marketing requirements for plant and forest reproductive material will meanÌýyou will no longerÌýbe requiredÌýto apply for Organisation for Economic Co-operation and DevelopmentÌý(OECD)Ìýcertification for movementsÌýto and from the EU.Ìý

The UK government will align with EU rules on genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Precision breeding is subject to ongoing negotiations between the UK and the EU as part of the SPS agreement.Ìý

If youÌýimport, export or move plants and crops within GreatÌýBritainÌýÌý

PhytosanitaryÌýcertificates will no longer beÌýrequiredÌýfor movement to the EU.ÌýÌý

EUÌýplantÌýpassportsÌýwill replace UKÌýplantÌýpassports. ThereÌýwill no longer be border checks on plants movingÌýbetweenÌýGreat BritainÌýandÌýthe EU.ÌýThere may be additional growing season inspections needed in 2026 to meet EU plant passport requirements in 2027. This will mean inspectors might be on your site for longer in 2026, but you will not be charged for any additional work carried out before the SPS agreement is implemented.

TheÌýexportÌýof seed potatoes will resume. This will reopen the EU market for this important sector.ÌýÌý

Import checks on plantsÌýand plant productsÌýentering GreatÌýBritainÌýfrom the EU will stop, but someÌýpostÌýimport checks will still apply toÌýsome plants.Ìý

Reduced border disruption may lower costs associated with contingency planning, delayed deliveries, temporaryÌýstorageÌýand spoilage risks, particularly for fresh plants, youngÌýplantsÌýand seasonal horticultural products where timing is important.Ìý

Small and medium-sized businesses may particularlyÌýbenefitÌýfrom reduced non-tariff barriers, as smaller consignments andÌýconsolidatedÌýloads should become easier and more cost-effective to move between Great Britain and the EU.Ìý

Businesses will stillÌýbe responsible forÌýensuring that commercial documentation and consignment information remainÌýaccurateÌýand complete. Errors or omissions may still result in delays,ÌýinspectionsÌýor disruption where controls continue to apply.Ìý

AnÌýadditionalÌýnotificationÌýsystem will be needed for the import of high-risk plant imports from the EU. This will beÌýsimilar toÌýthe system that was in place previously and will safeguard GreatÌýBritainÌýfrom known biosecurity risks. Ìý

GreatÌýBritainÌýwill align with the EU’s rules onÌýrest of world imports. Phytosanitary certificates will be required for imports of rest of world goods (goods coming from outside the EU). As a result, inspections of certain rest of world imports will increase to align with the level of inspections set out in the EU. This includes some goods that are not currently subject to routine inspection.

There will be changes toÌýreporting and inspection systemsÌýtoÌýmeetÌýthe requirements of theÌý.ÌýYouÌýwill need toÌýparticipateÌýin the EU’s reporting and inspection systems to proveÌýthat your business isÌýreducingÌýtheÌýrisk of outbreaks from plant imports and exports.ÌýReporting informationÌýwill be sharedÌýwith the EU andÌýusedÌýtoÌýhelp shape futureÌýinspectionÌýassurance approaches in GreatÌýBritain.Ìý

Other changes that may affect growers of fresh produceÌý

Some businesses, including some farmers and growers, may need to make changes to their products and practices to ensure they are compliant with new rulesÌýrelating toÌýEUÌýmarketing standards,ÌýfoodÌýlabellingÌýand organics.ÌýÌý

AllÌýbusinessesÌýacross the UK will need to follow relevant EU rules for organics, whether they trade with the EU or only operate within Great Britain. Find more detail in the organics sector guidance.

The main food labelling rules will changeÌývery little.ÌýIf you sell organic products you willÌýneedÌýto updateÌýlabelling to include the EU organic logo and the EU statement of agricultural origin. For more detail on changes to marketing standards and labelling, read the food manufacturing, processing and standards guidance.

There will be some changes to the composition of certain products, such as minimum levels of fruit inÌýjams.ÌýFor more detail on changes to compositional standards, read the food manufacturing, processing and standards guidance.

Businesses should ensure that relevant staff understand which productsÌýremainÌýsubject to SPS requirements and what processes apply under the new arrangements. Ongoing awareness and training will help businessesÌýmaintainÌýcompliance as arrangements change.Ìý

Live animalsÌý

If you keepÌýanimalsÌýÌý

ThereÌýwillÌýbe changes to requirements forÌýkeeping animals. This willÌýincludeÌýanimals such as:Ìý

• ±è¾±²µ²õÌý
• ³¦²¹³Ù³Ù±ô±ðÌý
• camelidsÌý(such as llamasÌýandÌýalpacas)Ìý
• »å±ð±ð°ùÌý
• ±ð±ç³Ü¾±²Ô±ð²õÌý
• ±è´Ç³Ü±ô³Ù°ù²âÌý
• other captive birdsÌý
• ²ú±ð±ð²õÌý
• small ruminantsÌý
• aquatic animalsÌý

Changes will coverÌýareas such as:Ìý

• ³Ù°ù²¹³¦±ð²¹²ú¾±±ô¾±³Ù²âÌý
• ¾±»å±ð²Ô³Ù¾±´Ú¾±³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²ÔÌý
• °ù±ð²µ¾±²õ³Ù°ù²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²ÔÌý
• record keepingÌý– including on movementsÌýÌý
• how diseases and outbreaks are reportedÌýand managedÌý
• disease prevention measures you may need to takeÌý
• disease control measuresÌýrequiredÌýin the event ofÌýan outbreakÌý

If you importÌýorÌýexport live animals (suchÌýasÌýfor breeding), germinalÌýproductsÌýorÌýanimal productsÌýwith the EUÌý

There will be changes to certification requirements. Export health certificates (which typically can cost up to £200 per consignment)Ìýwill no longer beÌýrequiredÌýto trade with the EU. In some cases, these will be replaced with Intra Trade Animal Health Certificates (ITAHCs), which are cheaper and less complex.Ìý

If you move animals, products of animal origin, animal by-products and germinal products between GreatÌýBritainÌýand the EU or Northern Ireland, you may need to use the EU system TRACESÌý(Trade Control and Expert System)Ìýfor tracking,ÌýnotifyingÌýand certifying.ÌýÌý

Whilst many checks will no longer take place on goods moving between Great Britain and the EU, some checks will remain (such asÌýon live animals and germinal products).Ìý

Checks will no longer take place at border control posts.Ìý

If you importÌýorÌýexport live animals (suchÌýasÌýfor breeding), germinalÌýproductsÌýorÌýanimal productÌýwithÌýnon-EU countriesÌý

ExportÌýhealthÌýcertificates will still beÌýrequiredÌýto importÌýandÌýexport fromÌýnon-EUÌýthirdÌýcountries.Ìý

GreatÌýBritainÌýwill also align with EU import rules. This means that check rates on animals and their products arriving in GreatÌýBritainÌýfrom non-EU countries will be the same as the check rates that the EU applies on these goods where they originate in non-EUÌýthirdÌýcountries.ÌýÌý

The UK will continue toÌýbe responsible forÌýmarket access of GreatÌýBritainÌýexports toÌýnon-EUÌýthirdÌýcountries.Ìý

Imports from non-EU third countries which enter Great Britain will be required to meet EU import requirements and be checked atÌýa borderÌýcontrolÌýpostÌýinÌýGreat BritainÌýif theÌýconsignment’s destination is GreatÌýBritain,ÌýNorthernÌýIrelandÌýor an EU member state. Once checked, the consignments will be free to move onto their place of destinationÌýin GreatÌýBritain, NorthernÌýIrelandÌýor the EU.Ìý

Where animals, products of animal origin, animal by-products and germinal products are rejected at an EU border control post, updated EU rules will apply to returning them.Ìý

If you produce, manufacture or useÌýanimal feedÌý

Under theÌýagreement, existing GreatÌýBritainÌýfeed additiveÌýauthorisationsÌýwillÌýno longer apply. EU authorisations will apply in Great BritainÌýin their place.ÌýÌýÌý

FeedÌýauthorisationsÌýin GreatÌýBritainÌýand the EUÌýhave divergedÌýsinceÌýEUÌýExit,Ìýin terms ofÌýmodificationÌýof existing authorisations, revocations andÌýnewÌýauthorisations.ÌýThis divergence will continue during the negotiations of the SPS agreement.ÌýÌý

You need to check the following resources toÌýdetermineÌýwhether you need to reformulate any of your products or change the products you use toÌýcomply withÌýEU rules underÌýthe SPS ²¹²µ°ù±ð±ð³¾±ð²Ô³Ù:ÌýÌý

• for feed additives,ÌýyouÌýwill need to check theÌýÌý
• for feed materials and feed forÌýparticular nutritionalÌýpurposes,ÌýyouÌýwill need to check theÌý,ÌýtheÌýÌýandÌýÌýÌý
• businesses making feed additive applications to the EU will need to follow theÌýÌýunder the SPS agreementÌýÌýÌý

All feed businesses making market authorisation applications will need to follow the updated transparency rules in theÌý. This means businesses willÌýbe requiredÌýto proactively disclose and notify EFSAÌýof commissioned studies.  to clarify some of the updated rules, which businesses will need to review.

Since EU Exit, the EU has introduced new,ÌýadditionalÌýor revised maximum levels for contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), heavy metals (such lead and cadmium), mycotoxins and plant toxins in various foods. You will need to ensure compliance with the levels set out inÌýEUÌýRegulation 2023/915.

Imported high-risk feed not of animal originÌý

Great Britain will also be aligning with EU controls on high-risk food and feed of non-animal origin. This means controls on goods from non-EU countries will be the same as the controls that the EU applies on these goods.ÌýÌýÌý

Importers from non-EU countries should check whether their commodity, based on country of origin, is controlled underÌý.ÌýIf so, this would mean imported consignments need to be pre-notified to a designated border control post with the submission of aÌýcommonÌýhealthÌýentryÌýdocument (CHED-D).ÌýÌý

Official certification and pre-export analysis may also beÌýrequired. Importers should note that this legislation is dynamic, based upon risks, so is subject to change prior to alignment.ÌýÌýÌýÌý

Other changes that may affect livestock and poultry farmersÌý

Some businesses, including some farmers and growers, may need to make changes to their products and practices to ensure they are compliant with new rules that are put in place relating to EU marketing standards, foodÌýlabellingÌýand organics.Ìý

Requirements for products of animal origin and animal by-products will change to align with the EU. For example, the form of identification marks applied to products of animal origin, including meat and dairy products, may change. There may also be changes to the way in which products of animal origin are processed and distributed, as well as the certification requirements for imports and exports and domestic trade.ÌýWe will have clarity on whether certain changes will beÌýrequiredÌýand if so, whether a transition period willÌýapply, onceÌýnegotiations conclude.Ìý

When businesses change the composition of their products, or adjust their practices, they may need also to change their labels to ensure theyÌýremainÌýaccurateÌýand compliant with food labelling rules.ÌýFor more detail on changes to marketing standards and labelling, read the food manufacturing, processing and standards guidance.

EUÌý±è´Ç³Ü±ô³Ù°ù²âÌýmeat marketing standards updates introduce a shift toÌýrisk‑basedÌýcontrols and inspections, simplifying documentation requirements. They also allow additional national technical measures and enable the European Commission’s oversight inspections whileÌýretainingÌýcore product classifications and temperature handling rules.ÌýFor more detail on changes to processing, read the food manufacturing, processing and standards guidance.

AllÌýorganicÌýfarmers and growers across the UK will need to follow relevant EU rules for organics, whether they trade with the EUÌýorÌýonly operate within Great Britain. Find more detail in the organics sector guidance.

SomeÌý have changed since EU Exit. Businesses will need to ensure compliance with these rules underÌýthe SPS agreement. Amendments include extending the sell-by date for eggs, and some new requirements, such as in the areas of temperature control and dry ageing of meat.ÌýÌýÌý

Since EU Exit, the EU has introduced new,ÌýadditionalÌýor revised maximum levels for contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), heavy metals (for example, lead and cadmium), mycotoxins and plant toxins in various foods. All food and feed businesses will need to ensure compliance with the levels set out inÌý.ÌýFor more detail on food hygiene and contaminants, read the food manufacturing, processing and standards guidance.

BiosecurityÌý

Biosecurity will remain a core priority. UK government will continue to take national action to protect biosecurity.ÌýÌýÌý

Under the SPS agreement, we will work jointly with the EU on threats to the UK’s biosecurity and public health. Ìý

The agreement will facilitate safe trade in SPS goods, including through UK access to EU agencies, systems and databases, which will promote transparency of movements and strengthen information sharing. Ìý

The UK will play a key role, alongside EU member states, in protecting the shared UK and EU SPS area from external biosecurity and public health risks, while also having the shared responsibility to address any risks that arise internally. This includes sharing our data, science and evidence to inform effective actions. Ìý

The Common Understanding states that the UK should be able to take targeted action to protect its biosecurity and public health, in the same way as member states.

Importing and exportingÌý

The new SPS agreement is relevant to all businesses and organisations involved in importing and exporting SPS goods between the UK,ÌýEUÌýand the rest of the world.Ìý

For trade between Great Britain and the EU,Ìýthe SPS agreement will reduce the requirements for routine SPS documentation and controls. The requirements for export health certificates, phytosanitary certificates and routine border checks for most agrifood goodsÌýwill be removed.ÌýAlignment with EU rules will mean there will be alignment with the EU’s approach to checks on restÌýof world SPS trade. Requirements for trade with countries outside the EU will also continue to apply, in line with international rules.Ìý

CustomsÌýcontrols will remain.Ìý

Great Britain to Northern Ireland movementsÌý

UnderÌýthe SPS agreement,Ìýmost agrifood goods will not need routine SPS certificates, checks and paperwork when moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.Ìý

This will mean export health certificates and phytosanitary certificates, and the checks and controls associated with them, will no longer beÌýrequired.Ìý

This will apply to all products that can be moved into the EU, which will include all food for processing, many retail products and, for example, plants for planting, seeds, and used agricultural and forestry machinery. The final restrictions on the movement of certain tree species will disappear.Ìý

The Windsor Framework will continue to apply, addressing Northern Ireland’s unique circumstances and safeguarding the Good Friday Agreement. ThisÌýfacilitatesÌýNorthern Ireland’s dual market access to both the UK internal market and the EU single market.Ìý

In practice, the movement schemes set up under the Windsor Framework should no longer be needed, other than potentially for a limited number of goods not covered by the agreement. The Northern Ireland plant health label (NIPHL) scheme will not be needed at all.Ìý

Early considerations for your businessÌý

To prepare for the UK-EU SPS agreement, you can now take the following steps:Ìý

•  and the  to receiveÌýthe latest updatesÌý
• check whether the SPS agreement is likely to apply to your business, especially if you produce, handle, move or trade animals, animal products, plants, plant products,ÌýfoodÌýor feed – check how to prepare your businessÌý
• review your current supply chains and movements (including domestic movements and movements from Great Britain to Northern Ireland) to understand where SPS requirements may applyÌý
• consider where your business currently follows EU rules and where you may have diverged since EU ExitÌý
• speakÌýtoÌýrelevant partners (for example suppliers, customers, hauliers,ÌývetsÌýor certification bodies) about potential future changesÌý
• check with trusted sector organisations or trade bodies for any sector specific advice and updatesÌý

There are also some sector-specific actions that you may wish to take:Ìý

• based on the information provided, consider if your goods are in scopeÌýÌý
• consider whether this changes how you produce, move,ÌýsellÌýor buy goods, and what buyers and suppliers may expect from youÌý
• consider whether any of your current practices (for example, certification, inputs, records, standards) may need to changeÌý
• start conversations with others in your sector or professional network about what the changes could mean in practice
• consider what this could mean for your costs and the time needed to meet requirements, including any potential efficiencies or opportunities
• identifyÌýareas where more clarity, information or supportÌýmay be needed,Ìýand stay informed as more information becomes availableÌý

ExceptionsÌý

The EU has accepted there will need to be areas where the UK will retain its own rules, as set out in the May 2025 Common Understanding. Details of these are subject to the ongoing negotiation. Ìý

The government has been clear about the importance of being able to:Ìý

• set high animal welfare standardsÌý
• support public healthÌý
• support the use of new and innovative technologiesÌý

Further information will be provided following the completion of the negotiations.ÌýÌý

What happens nextÌý

It is ourÌýintentionÌýthat the agreement will take effect in mid-2027. Some detailed requirements and exact timings of when arrangements will change are still being finalised as part of ongoing negotiations.ÌýÌý

Defra will continue to work with the sector to help shape future communications, guidance and support as further detail becomes available.ÌýWe haveÌýset upÌýan SPS Readiness Business Advisory Council, which is now meeting regularly. The council includes major trade associations and businesses.ÌýÌý

The following timeline sets out the expected stages for introducing the SPS agreement and when further information will be published:Ìý

• summer 2026 – further details on upcoming changes announced, including on any exceptions and transition periods
• autumn 2026 – detailed guidance and support, including checklists and practical tools, made availableÌý
• mid-2027Ìý– agreement takes effect (subject to negotiations)Ìý

Further information will be provided following the completion of negotiations.Ìý

Stay informedÌý

We will continue to publish updates as further detail is confirmed. To keep up to date, you can:Ìý

• and the  
• engage with your trade body or industry association for sector-specific updates, where relevantÌý

You can alsoÌýget additional supportÌýfrom other government agencies if you are a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME). Contact: Ìý

• Department for Business and Trade:Ìý a question
• Food Standards Agency: