SPS Agreement is nearing the end of negotiations with the EU

The UK and European Union are nearing an agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS). Negotiations are still ongoing and expected to be finalised later this year for an agreement to take effect from mid-2027. To support this process, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has launched a six-week call for evidence to develop its understanding of the potential impact on business. With the government closing in on negotiations, now is the time for businesses to engage with ministers and officials to ensure the government acts in the interest of British businesses.

There are significant areas of concern where detail on the UK government’s position is lacking. The impact of ‘dynamic alignment’ with the EU’s approach to precision breeding risks constraining British innovators that are capitalising on a more agile regulatory regime following the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023. The scope of the agreement is also unclear and whether it will extend to on-farm animal welfare standards and food labelling. A further consideration relates to implementation and the practical need for a transitional period for businesses that are already making operational decisions for 2027. An impractical deadline, without reasonable exemptions or a clear lead-in time, will increase both the cost of food production and regulatory burden for the sector to comply with a new regime.

GK Strategy is a political consultancy that advises businesses on regulatory change. We have extensive experience in supporting food, farming and agriculture businesses to navigate government policy and regulation, especially where domestic regulation intersects with international policy frameworks. We’re on hand to support how businesses operating in these sectors can minimise any risks related to the SPS Agreement and shape government thinking on its scope, implementation and regulatory implications.

To discuss the SPS Agreement and how GK can support your organisation, please reach out to James at james.allan@gkstrategy.com

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