The UK and the EU are still negotiating a package that could remove checks on imported and exported food and agricultural products. Three deals, covering food and drink, emissions trading and youth mobility, are expected to be discussed at an EU summit on 20 November.
An Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) text drafted on the EU side suggests that much of the post-Brexit paperwork around food and drink could go. The government has estimated that a deal could add up to £5.1 billion a year to the economy and cut red tape for farmers, producers and businesses after the UK left the EU single market. In return, the UK could be expected to observe and adapt to existing EU rules on plant, animal and food trade standards. Both sides are still discussing the terms.
A government spokesperson said the UK is building an ambitious, close relationship with the EU that will strengthen the economy, protect British industry and create more opportunities for young people across the UK.
The arrangement would mark a shift under Andy Burnham’s premiership as he seeks closer ties with the bloc. He has said the current Brexit deal left Britain with “weaker control” over immigration and has ruled out rejoining the EU in this parliament.
Under the proposals, British farmers could export fresh sausages, burgers, some shellfish from domestic waters and seed potatoes to the EU, reopening that market. Goods from Great Britain such as dairy, fish, eggs and red meat are now subject to 100 per cent documentary checks and up to 30 per cent physical checks; an SPS deal would remove those checks entirely.
Costs that could fall away include £200 Export Health Certificates for agri-food goods, £25 Phytosanitary Certificates and Organic Certificates of Inspection for organic lamb and cheese, which cost about £35 on average. Inspector fees of at least £127.60, some port fees and other import and export checks could also end. Sampling costs of about £1,200 for a cheese load, £1,400 for a salmon shipment, £440 for a load of apples and £1,200 for a beef load could be rendered null. Multi-use passports for British pets travelling to the EU could return in place of animal health certificates.