On 25 June, the BMPA announced it will establish and operate a new UK Pre-Stun Halal Export Accreditation Scheme, creating an industry-led framework to open new export markets for UK sheep meat. The announcement follows significant industry engagement by both Lord Trees and former Defra Secretary of State George Eustice, who deserve considerable credit for highlighting the trade benefits of adopting an accredited export scheme for pre-stun halal meat.

The scheme will be owned by the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) and administered by an approved independent certification body.

Initially covering sheep meat only, the scheme responds to growing global demand for pre-stun halal products and represents an important opportunity for the UK sheep meat sector. By providing a clear, independently accredited framework, it will help businesses access valuable export markets while giving overseas customers confidence in the integrity and standards behind British production.

Developed in consultation with industry and government, the UKAS-accredited scheme will provide independent accreditation against recognised international pre-stun halal export standards. Based primarily on the long-established New Zealand model, it will give overseas customers confidence in UK production systems while helping processors secure new international trading opportunities.

The scheme will be open to all eligible UK sheep processing sites and will allow accredited businesses to use a dedicated UK Halal Export Accreditation Scheme mark.

International recognition supported by the accreditation mark will strengthen the competitiveness of UK sheep meat exports, support growth throughout the supply chain and contribute to the Government’s wider export and economic growth ambitions.

BMPA brings extensive experience in developing and managing industry assurance programmes, including the BMPA Quality Pork Charter, which provides assurance on animal welfare, food safety, provenance and traceability, and the Climate Change Agreements scheme, which helps energy-intensive meat processing businesses improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

While BMPA will own the scheme to ensure consistency in both its operation and standards, it will work closely with industry throughout its development and implementation. An industry steering and oversight group, bringing together experts from across the sheep meat and abattoir sectors, will help shape the scheme. Businesses not represented on the group will still be able to contribute, as BMPA intends to consult as widely as possible on the scheme’s design before it is launched.

Work is now underway on a timetable that will see the initial scheme criteria, based on the New Zealand model, developed over the coming months. Formal UKAS accreditation is expected to begin in early 2027, followed by accreditation of the certification body or bodies responsible for certifying processing sites. The scheme is anticipated to launch later in 2027.

At the launch, Defra’s Animal Welfare Minister, Baroness Hayman, supported the scheme, noting that the UK is recognised worldwide for its high standards of animal welfare and that this new independent accreditation scheme will give overseas customers even greater confidence that UK sheep products come from systems upholding those standards.

She added that the scheme represents an important step in helping the UK sheep meat sector access valuable new international markets while maintaining high animal welfare standards. Defra’s support will also enable the industry to work with the Government’s Agri-Food Attachés to develop new export opportunities for pre-stun halal sheep meat, particularly in the Gulf states.

If you would like more information about the scheme, or would like to be consulted as it is developed, please contact the BMPA at info@britishmeatindustry.org