The UK Government is currently negotiating an agreement with the EU covering the trade and movement of plants, plant products, animals, animal products, feed and food. This Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, taking effect from mid-2027, will have implications for all UK food businesses. Below is the latest information to help members prepare for the forthcoming changes.
What does this mean for businesses?
All UK food businesses will need to make significant changes over the next 12 months to ensure compliance with EU food legislation as part of the deal to remove border controls on the movement of food. The Government refers to this approach as ‘dynamic alignment’, meaning that businesses will need to comply with relevant EU rules within the scope of the agreement, regardless of whether they trade with the EU or operate solely within the UK market.
Legislation in scope:
In March 2026, the Government published an initial list of legislation scope.
The BRC has been supporting members through our working groups by identifying likely amendments that may fall within scope, building on work carried out since Brexit.
New guidance to help you prepare:
Defra has published guidance SPS agreement: preparing your business - GOV.UK to support businesses in preparing for the upcoming UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement by mid-2027. It’s important to note that negotiations with the EU are ongoing and the guidance will be updated once the final details of the agreement are confirmed, expected later this Summer.
What is covered in the initial guidance?
The guidance includes links to sector-specific advice covering areas such as border controls, fish and shellfish, genetic technologies, organics and more. It also includes dedicated guidance for:
- Food production, plants, animals and associated sectors – including areas such as pesticides and biocides. Food production, plants, animals and associated sectors: preparing your business - GOV.UK
- Food manufacturing, processing and standards – including food hygiene, food safety, labelling and regulated products. Food manufacturing, processing and standards: preparing your business - GOV.UK
Next steps and BRC support
The BRC has joined a Government group developing a communications plan to support food businesses in preparing for these changes. More information can be found here.
We will continue to share updates through our Labelling & Legislation, Microbiology and Emerging Risks working groups. Members are encouraged to attend these meetings and share insights so that we can continue to reflect retailer views in our ongoing engagement with Government.
