EU, U.K. Reach Draft Deal to Cut Red Tape for Food Exports

The European Union and the United Kingdom have reached a draft deal to do away with post-Brexit checks on food and agriculture exports.

According to BBC News, the 200-page draft would resume U.K. exports to the EU of fresh sausages, burgers, shellfish from domestic waters and seed potatoes. It would also remove a £200 ($268) export health certificate requirement that proves food is safe to eat, as well as the need for £25 phytosanitary certificates, which show that plant products are free from pests and diseases. Additionally, the deal would remove certain port and inspector fees, organic certificates, and other checks for food and agriculture products from the EU.

The agreement has already been circulated by Brussels to EU nations, and is scheduled for review at a November 4 meeting. Should it get approved, it would represent the most significant reset of post-Brexit policies to date. The U.K. government estimates that the deal could bring up to £5.1 billion ($6.85 billion) in annual benefits.

Once approved, the deal would take effect in early 2028, given that it still would require legislation from the U.K. to bring its food, animal and plant regulations into line with EU standards. The U.K. would also commit to updating those rules as EU standards change over time, as part of a process known as “dynamic alignment.”

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