UK and EU agree draft deal to cut post-Brexit food trade checks

The UK and EU have agreed a draft deal that could remove many post-Brexit checks and fees on food and agricultural trade, as officials prepare for a summit later this month. The proposals would also allow some UK food exports to resume, but the text still needs to be considered by EU governments.

The 200-page draft sanitary and phytosanitary agreement has been circulated to EU member states ahead of a meeting of ambassadors on Wednesday, the BBC reports. It is part of a wider package of draft agreements, including plans for emissions trading and a youth travel and work scheme.

The food agreement is expected to remove the need for export health and phytosanitary certificates, inspection and sampling fees, some port charges and organic certificates on trade between the UK and EU. The government says the deal could eventually bring £5.1bn in annual benefits to the UK economy.

Exports of fresh sausages, burgers, shellfish from UK waters and seed potatoes would also be able to resume. The agreement would allow UK pet passports for travel to the EU.

In return, the UK would commit to following and adapting to EU rules on plant, animal and food standards, a process known as “dynamic alignment”. The arrangement would bring closer regulatory ties in these areas, while some UK campaigners who support Brexit have criticised the reapplication of EU rules.

The draft is being discussed against a backdrop of business frustration over post-Brexit trade barriers. The British Chambers of Commerce said a survey found 56% of exporting businesses wanted EU customs paperwork and delays removed; the figure was 58% among manufacturers.

The agreement remains a draft, with EU ambassadors due to discuss it on Wednesday. Further political decisions are also pending on parts of the wider package, including details of the proposed youth scheme.