Report Inam Sehgal
The UK and European Union are moving towards easing post-Brexit trade barriers on food exports, in a significant step towards rebuilding economic relations and reducing bureaucracy for businesses on both sides of the Channel.
The proposed arrangements are expected to simplify food-export procedures, reduce unnecessary paperwork and cut costly border checks that have affected British farmers, food producers and exporters since Brexit.
The agreement, described as a major breakthrough in the UK-EU Brexit reset, would remove export health certificates costing up to £200, phytosanitary certificates, inspection charges and other administrative fees. It is also expected to reopen European markets to British fresh sausages, burgers, certain shellfish and seed potatoes.
The UK government estimates that the agreement could generate around £5.1 billion in annual economic benefits. It is expected to help smaller businesses resume trading with European customers and make food supplies more efficient.
However, the agreement will require Britain to maintain alignment with relevant EU food safety and agricultural standards. Its implementation has been delayed and is now expected in the first quarter of 2028.
The development marks a significant improvement in relations between London and Brussels, although it has also revived debate over how much regulatory independence Britain should retain following its departure from the European Union.
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