The newly agreed UK–EU trade arrangement marks a significant breakthrough for the British meat processing industry. After years of post-Brexit friction, the establishment of a streamlined Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement promises to reignite UK meat exports to Europe and restore the frictionless trade that businesses have long been calling for.

Restoring lost trade

Since Brexit, UK meat processors have faced serious challenges in maintaining trade with EU customers. Cumbersome red tape, increased bureaucracy, and logistical delays at ports turned what was once a seamless operation into an uncompetitive process that added hundreds of millions in extra costs. As a result, significant volumes of trade were lost.

To put this into context, quite apart from the extra administrative staff that have been required to manage it, since December 2020, Brexit has cost exporting companies across all sectors an extra £240 million just in Export Health Certificates. That’s 1.2 million EHCs that required 2.4 million certifier hours (or 1,220 certifier years). All for zero added value.

This new agreement is a game-changer. It allows for the removal of many of the bureaucratic burdens that have stifled the industry, and will lead directly to reduced costs, and an overall increase in the efficiency of trade with the EU.

A common SPS area plus flexibility

At the heart of this transformation is the ‘common SPS area’, a collaborative arrangement that enables mutual recognition of standards while allowing for certain carefully defined divergences.

The UK has secured a unique “decision-shaping” role within the EU’s veterinary governance structures. While not a vote, this gives the UK a seat at the table —specifically at the Joint Veterinary Committee — alongside EU Chief Veterinary Officers, allowing British concerns and priorities to be heard and factored into future developments.

This arrangement also opens the door for regulatory innovation. For instance, there’s potential for the UK to pursue advancements such as gene editing, provided it can continue to ensure that only compliant goods enter the EU market. The agreement includes provisions that enable limited divergence from EU rules, so long as high standards are upheld and EU market integrity is maintained.

Logistical efficiency and a competitive edge

One of the most immediate benefits will be in logistics. Hauliers will once again be able to make multiple ‘drops’ to different customers across the EU with a single lorry load. This is a major improvement over the current situation that has seen companies having to send large consignments to single distribution hubs for further processing, packing and delivery. This is because it’s simply not been viable to send small, varied consignments of products in a single load due to the onerous certification requirements and border checks.

It will also encourage EU based hauliers back into the UK who had previously become reluctant to service UK routes due to the inefficiencies involved like long waits at ports and the reduced options open to them when taking loads back into Europe.

Restoring flexibility in delivery will allow meat processors to resume true just-in-time deliveries tailored to the needs of individual EU customers. This will improve product shelf life and give processors the ability to fulfil bespoke orders and deal with last minute changes, two critical factors in the value and competitiveness of meat products. In many cases, UK suppliers will once again be able to offer faster, more tailored service than their continental competitors.

A strategically important market

While global markets offer some opportunity, none can replicate the proximity, value, and strategic importance of the EU market for UK meat exporters. The EU remains a wealthy and high-volume consumer base, right on our doorstep. The deal puts UK businesses back in a position to compete effectively in this vital region, with minimal trade friction.

One of the most encouraging thinks we take away from today’s announcement is that this agreement reflects strong, strategic diplomacy from the UK Government and a willingness to work collaboratively with our industry to understand the challenges, pain-points and unique complexities we face. By delivering an SPS deal that balances flexibility and alignment, the Government has demonstrated its commitment to supporting exporters and reducing trade barriers. The carefully crafted language of the deal allows for national innovation while unlocking the economic benefits of closer regulatory cooperation.