Alinea Customs Briefing On Monday 9th March, Emma Reynolds set out how UK exporters and importers are likely to benefit from the proposed new EU-UK sanitary and phytosanitary agreement. This will impact the agri-food sector, specifically products of animal origin, such as meat, fish, dairy and composites; organic produce, and products subject to plant health controls.
Costs expected to be removed:
- Export Health Certificates cost up to £200 for agri-food goods
- Phytosanitary Certificates cost approximately £25 alongside inspection fees of at least £127.60
- Organic Certificates of Inspection, required for the export of organic lamb and cheese, cost on average £35
- Port Health Authority (PHA) identity check fees on meat and dairy exports adds £31 per load on average
- Sampling can add approximately £1,200 to a cheese load, £1,400 to a salmon shipment, £440 to a load of apples, and £1,200 to a beef load
Costs expected to be reduced
- For beef and salmon, queueing times for checks can add costs of up to £149 per load
- Additional driver charges, paid to hauliers for border-related friction, typically £200 per shipment
The government is working toward a mid-2027 start date for the new agreement and the government intends for businesses in the agri-food sector to start to prepare. This includes those that do not currently trade with the EU.
The UK government has identified that since 2018, the expot of food and agricultural products to the EU has fallen by 22, representing a decline of almost £4 billion in real terms.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:
We are resetting our relationship with the EU, our closest and largest trading partner, to make trade easier and cheaper, and deliver tangible benefits for British businesses.
We are talking about real businesses, real employers: the Somerset cheesemaker with export trade halved, the Welsh shellfish trader turning down orders because their catch isn’t fresh by the time the paperwork is done, the Scottish farmer who can no longer sell seed potatoes to customers they’ve supplied for decades.
By reducing delays and unnecessary paperwork, this deal will help keep shelves stocked, protect jobs and put downward pressure on food price inflation for families across the country. British businesses deserve better and we will work hand-in-hand with them to ensure this deal is a success.
Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said:
More great British produce will be on European tables thanks to this agreement which will reduce barriers for exporters and create new opportunities for farmers and businesses across all parts of the UK.
By reducing paperwork for these exports, this deal will ensure our world‑leading food and drink can reach customers all around Europe easier than ever before.
To help preparations, the government has today launched a six-week Call for Information to understand how it can best support businesses to make the most of this opportunity.
Further information is available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/businesses-urged-to-take-simple-steps-for-smoother-trade-with-the-eu
