Suppliers urged to prepare for SPS changes

The government has recommended all businesses set to be impacted by the incoming Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU should sign up to Defra email alerts ahead of new guidance expected to be published this month (May 2026). 

The SPS deal, which will see re-alignment on a range of plant health and trade standards for fresh produce and remove barriers including paperwork, is due to come into effect in May 2027.

The government, which is now reviewing a recent ‘call for information’ for any industry concerns, said guidance will start to be released from this month. 

In a published update, it recommended the following steps: 

• Engage with your relevant trade body or industry association – they will be key partners in providing sector-specific guidance and many are already working with government to help their members prepare.
• Engage with your supply chain to understand any changes that may apply to them.
• Sign up for Defra email alerts or follow Defra on Linkedin to receive the latest information on negotiations, timelines, and available support.

Minimum residue levels for pesticides is one of the key areas where alignment with the EU may bring significant changes for UK suppliers, with the NFU’s horticulture and potatoes board actively campaigning on this issue.

Other areas of potential impact include certification, labelling or IT systems, the government confirmed. 

”It is our intent that the agreement will take effect in mid-2027. We want every business in the agri-food sector to start getting ready now. This includes those that do not currently trade with the EU. While the timeline is ambitious, the reward is worth the effort,” a government statement read. 

“We’ve been listening to businesses since last May and understand the concerns raised about how the new agreement could affect them. We know that some businesses require longer to adjust to the new arrangements, and we will work with them to ensure a smooth transition.”