UK and EU Reach Draft Deal to Simplify Food Exports Post-Brexit

In a significant move towards easing post-Brexit trade barriers, the United Kingdom and the European Union have reached a draft deal aimed at simplifying food and agriculture exports between the two regions. This development marks a notable step in what is being referred to as the 'Brexit reset', with the food sector deal reportedly being the most substantial part of these recent negotiations ¹².

The draft text for the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, which is central to the deal, spans an impressive 200 pages and has already been distributed among EU member states in Brussels ¹. Accompanying this main document are similar texts for agreements on emissions trading and a youth travel and work scheme, indicating a comprehensive approach to resetting the UK’s relationship with the EU ¹.

According to reports, the UK government estimates that this deal will yield approximately £5.1 billion in annual benefits for the UK economy ¹. Among the specific changes, the deal allows for the resumption of exports of fresh sausages, burgers, shellfish, and seed potatoes to the EU, marking a return to smoother trade flows for these products ¹. Additionally, the deal eliminates the necessity for £200 Export Health Certificates and £25 Phytosanitary certificates, along with other fees and checks, thereby reducing administrative burdens for exporters and importers ¹.

Furthermore, the agreement brings back the familiar sight of British pets traveling to the EU with their passports, a welcome change for many pet owners ¹. The UK has committed to aligning with existing EU regulations on plant, animal, and food trade standards, ensuring continued compatibility in these areas ¹. Transition arrangements have also been included to allow for the gradual implementation of new EU regulations, giving both sides time to adjust ¹.

To facilitate the application of new EU rules and regulations, the UK intends to use the European Partnerships Bill ¹. The draft agreements will be discussed at a meeting of EU ambassadors known as Coreper on Wednesday, setting the stage for further progress in the negotiations ¹. The deal is expected to alleviate the impact of the post-Brexit Irish Sea border on Northern Ireland, a crucial point of contention since the UK’s departure from the EU ¹.

Support for the deal comes from various quarters, including supermarkets and farmers’ representatives, who view the common rules as a price worth paying for smoother trade ¹. However, while the text of the deal is considered settled and not open to further negotiation with the European Commission, there remains the possibility that an individual EU member state could raise concerns before official approval ².

What We Know

• - The UK and EU have agreed a draft deal to remove post-Brexit checks on food and agriculture exports. ¹²
• - The food deal is reported to be the most significant part of the 'Brexit reset'. ¹
• - The SPS agreement is 200 pages long and has been circulated to EU nations. ¹
• - Similar texts for emissions trading and youth travel and work schemes have also been circulated. ¹
• - The deal is estimated to bring £5.1 billion in annual benefits to the UK economy. ¹
• - Exports of fresh sausages, burgers, shellfish, and seed potatoes to the EU would resume. ¹
• - The deal removes the need for £200 Export Health Certificates and £25 Phytosanitary certificates. ¹
• - It ends the need for inspector fees, organic certificates, some port fees, and other checks. ¹
• - British pets will be able to travel to the EU with passports again. ¹
• - The UK will align with existing EU regulations on plant, animal, and food trade standards. ¹
• - The deal includes transition arrangements for new EU regulations to come into force. ¹
• - The UK will use a European Partnerships Bill to apply new EU rules and regulations. ¹
• - The draft agreements will be discussed at a meeting of EU ambassadors called Coreper. ¹
• - The deal is expected to reduce the impact of the post-Brexit Irish Sea border on Northern Ireland. ¹
• - Supermarkets and farmers representatives support the food trade plans. ¹
• - Businesses think the deal is a 'price worth paying' to follow common rules. ¹
• - The deal's text is considered settled and not open to further negotiation with the European Commission. ²
• - An EU member state could still raise concerns about the deal's text before it is officially approved. ²