UK and EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement (SPS)

Back in May 2025, the UK and EU agreed to pursue an SPS agreement which, similar to the Windsor Framework, should make the movement of goods between the UK and EU (and between GB and NI) easier and cheaper for businesses.

The SPS agreement will cover the trade, production and movements of plants, animals and their products and broader nutrition-related areas (including food supplements, health and nutrition claims, nutrition labelling etc). General food law, food information to consumers, food hygiene and safety, food additives and supplements, and food contact materials are all expected to change to align more closely with EU law since Brexit. The scope of affected sectors will be significant including farms, food and feed businesses, importers, wholesalers and retailers.

Whilst the final scope of the agreement with the EU is yet to be agreed, the UK Government is currently developing detailed support and guidance for businesses, in anticipation of the agreement taking effect in mid-2027. In the meantime, businesses have been encouraged to engage with its trade body or industry association, sign up for DEFRA alerts, and respond to the open Call for Information which closes on 23 April 2026.