11 Acknowledged

Secure a minimum 24-month implementation period for SPS agreement adjustments

Recommendation
The Government should secure an implementation period of at least 24 months for sectors to make necessary adjustments resulting from the SPS agreement. Once a common SPS area is established all legislative changes adopted under dynamic alignment must include a mechanism to manage transitions similar to that afforded to EU Member states. (Recommendation, Paragraph 40)
Government Response Summary
The government states it intends for the agreement to take effect in mid-2027, acknowledging concerns about businesses adjusting to new arrangements and stating they will continue to work with them to ensure a smooth transition.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government Acknowledged
It is our intent that the agreement will take effect in mid-2027. We have been listening to businesses and understand concerns raised about how the new agreement could affect them. We know that some businesses require longer to adjust to the new arrangements and will continue to work with them to ensure a smooth transition.
Source
Committee Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Inquiry Animal and plant health
Report 5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an SPS agreement work 05 Feb 2026 HC 1661
View on Parliament website
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.3 yrs
Report published 05 Feb 2026