Temperature-controlled firm JS Davidson said new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) rules were a significant step towards restoring smoother trade in food and agri products between the UK and EU.
The impending deal is expected to save businesses time and money by cutting red tape and helping to speed up the smooth flow of agri-food trade at the border.
UK food export volumes to the continent dropped by 34.1% in 2024 compared to 2019 levels, according to the Food & Drink Federation.
It said this was largely attributed to post-Brexit trading arrangements and the increased bureaucracy and complexity of trading with the EU.
By establishing a joint sanitary and phytosanitary zone, the deal eliminates most routine document and physical checks, lifting EU restrictions on previously banned UK products such as fresh sausages and burgers.
Export Health Certificates for animals and animal products will be scrapped, cutting costs of up to £200 per shipment.
For a single lorry transporting a mixed load, JS Davidson said this could translate into savings of several thousand pounds.
MD John Davidson, Managing Director at JS Davidson, believes that once the SPS agreement comes into effect, it will stimulate greater levels of trade from European food manufacturers into the UK:
“The new agreement promises smoother UK-EU food and drink trade which is good news for the industry as a whole,” he said.
“It’s no secret that the pre-existing framework has been causing serious issues, particularly on the French side of the border.
“UK businesses have faced disproportionate challenges as a result, with SMEs being hit particularly hard so the removal of export health certificates and routine checks will be a lifeline for these businesses, allowing them to compete more effectively in the EU market.”
Shirine Khoury-Haq, chief executive of The Co-operative Group, said:
“Being able to move food and drink more smoothly between the UK and EU, whilst maintaining high standards, is good news for our industry, for our business, and therefore for our members, customers, and the communities we serve.”
