32
Common SPS area benefits countered by increased costs and delays for Rest of World imports.
Conclusion
A common UK-EU SPS area is expected to reduce administrative burdens, costs, and resource pressures at the Short Straits. However, adopting EU-style “third country” controls on Rest of World imports risks increasing checks, costs, and delays, particularly in sectors reliant on non EU suppliers, such as fruit. (Conclusion, Paragraph 84)
Government Response
A response document is linked to this report, dated 17 April 2026. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document.
Source
Inquiry
Biosecurity and animal welfare
Report
5th Report - UK-EU agritrade: making an SPS agreement work
05 Feb 2026
HC 1661
Addressee Bodies
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.6 yr
Report published
05 Feb 2026