Committee publication · Correspondence · 3 June 2026
Correspondence from Baroness Hayman on preparations for a future Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement with the European Union, dated 28 May 2026
From: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Inquiry: Biosecurity and animal welfare
Summary
Baroness Hayman updates the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee on government preparations for a future UK–EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement, targeting mid-2027 implementation. The government is publishing sector-specific business guidance on GOV.UK to help agrifood businesses prepare for operational and regulatory changes, while acknowledging that final negotiated terms remain unsettled and further detail will follow once negotiations conclude.
Key findings
- Government is publishing action-focused, sector-specific guidance on GOV.UK to help agrifood businesses prepare, covering supply chain review, systems preparation, and regulatory updates.
- The agreement aims to reduce friction in UK–EU agrifood trade while maintaining high standards for animal health, plant health, and food safety, with expected implementation in mid-2027.
- Businesses may need to adjust production and processing requirements, certification, labelling, IT systems, and compliance activity, with longer transition periods offered to those requiring additional time.
- Government acknowledges ongoing negotiations mean final arrangements are not yet settled; guidance is transparent about what is known, what is not agreed, and when clarity is expected.
- Government recognises stakeholder demand for early information and is providing interim guidance as a proportionate step to support early readiness while negotiations continue.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Baroness Hayman of Ullock, Alistair Carmichael MP, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, UK Government (DEFRA), European Union
Notable line
“… we are publishing further business-facing guidance on GOV.UK to help agrifood sectors prepare for the changes ahead.”
Key Quotes
“… the agreement under negotiation is intended to reduce friction in agrifood trade with the European Union, while maintaining the UK's high standards in animal health, plant health and food safety.”
“I recognise that businesses need clarity, time and support to prepare, particularly given the operational and regulatory changes that may be required under the agreement.”
“Depending on the final negotiated outcome, businesses may need to consider changes in areas including production and processing requirements, certification, labelling, IT systems, and wider compliance activity.”
“Our approach is to be transparent about what is known, what is not yet agreed, and when further clarity is expected to support preparedness.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗