6
Acknowledged
Legislative divergence risks inappropriate EU regulations for GB production systems
Conclusion
Legislative divergence between the UK and EU has occurred given the EU no longer considers GB-specific scientific evidence, such as climatic conditions relevant to mycotoxin formation or the agronomic need for certain plant 34 protection products (PPPs). As such, full adoption of EU rules in this area would risk embedding regulatory decisions that are inappropriate for GB production systems. (Conclusion, Paragraph 27)
Government Response Summary
The government states that the Common Understanding is clear that the European Commission should consult the UK at an early stage and the UK will contribute to decision-shaping for areas in scope, providing the foundation for GB scientific evidence to be incorporated into new science-based decisions.
Government Response
Acknowledged
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The government is committed to ensuring that the SPS Agreement delivers positive outcomes for businesses across the UK, while safeguarding our high standards. The Common Understanding is clear that the European Commission should consult the UK at an early stage in the policy making process and that the UK will contribute to decision-shaping for the areas in scope. This provides the foundation by which GB scientific evidence, including agronomic and climatic data, can be incorporated into all new science-based decisions affecting UK agriculture, including the regulation of Plant Protection Products.
Source
Inquiry
Animal and plant health
Report
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an SPS agreement work
05 Feb 2026
HC 1661
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.3 yrs
Report published
05 Feb 2026