Extra Border Checks Cancelled Ahead of UK–EU Deal
At the UK–EU summit on 19 May, the United Kingdom and the European Union announced that they will agree a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement, which will make agri-food trade with our largest market cheaper and easier. This will reduce costs and red tape for British producers and retailers.
You can view full details of the announcements here: UK/EU Summit – Key documentation – GOV.UK
In light of the plans set out at the summit, the United Kingdom and devolved governments have decided to pause the implementation of further import controls on:
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European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) live animals
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Non-qualifying Northern Ireland goods arriving from Ireland and Northern Ireland
Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) controls already in place will continue until further notice. The UK’s biosecurity and public health must remain protected.
While negotiations continue, the decision to pause further BTOM implementation for these commodities will be reviewed as more detail and timelines for the SPS Agreement are confirmed.
For live animal imports, the existing system of controls on Rest of World imports will be maintained through Border Control Posts (BCPs). Remote documentary checks and checks at destination will continue for EU and EFTA imports.
For non-qualifying Northern Ireland goods arriving from Ireland and Northern Ireland, this pause means that, where required, pre-notification and certification will continue.
Current controls on goods transiting Great Britain (GB) between Ireland and mainland EU will remain in place.
The current easement on certain medium-risk fruits and vegetables from the EU, Switzerland (CH) and Liechtenstein (LI) will be temporarily extended, as per recent correspondence.
We recognise the need for certainty and are committed to keeping traders and local authorities informed. While SPS Agreement details and timelines are still being finalised, we will continue engaging with stakeholders and will provide clear notice ahead of any changes.
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