SPS Agreement: Preparing Your Business - Govt Release Information
28 May 2026
DEFRA have have published new information titled SPS Agreement: Preparing Your Business as of this morning. The information has been made available on GOV.UK and can be accessed here: SPS agreement: preparing your business - GOV.UK.
The government is forming a new strategic partnership with the EU on the trade and movement of plants, plant products, animals, animal products, feed and food. This is called a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement.
It is our intent that the agreement will take effect in mid-2027. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) knows that some businesses will need longer to adjust to the new arrangements. We will work with those businesses to make sure there is a smooth transition. Every business in the agrifood sector should start to prepare for the changes now.
Exact timings of when arrangements will change are subject to the outcome of ongoing negotiations. We will publish updates as negotiations progress.
Check how the changes will affect your business
Border control post and control point operators: preparing your business
Food manufacturing, processing and standards: preparing your business
Food production, plants, animals and associated sectors: preparing your business
Genetic technologies: preparing your business
Horticulture industry: preparing your business
Logistics, hauliers and trade intermediaries: preparing your business
Organics sectors: preparing your business
DEFRA will continue to work closely with businesses and representative organisations to support understanding of the practical implications and necessary preparations. They are keen to maintain ongoing engagement with stakeholders as negotiations progress. As discussions are ongoing, further detailed information is expected to be made available over the summer.