The UK and EU have agreed a draft deal to remove post-Brexit checks on food and agriculture exports, according to the BBC. The 200-page draft text for the so-called SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) agreement has been circulated to EU nations in Brussels for consideration at a meeting on Wednesday, the BBC understands. The draft is due to be discussed ahead of the UK-EU summit later this month.
The deal would remove the need for £200 Export Health Certificates, £25 Phytosanitary certificates, inspector fees, organic certificates, some port fees, sampling fees and other checks on exports and imports to and from the EU. The government claims the UK economy will eventually see £5.1bn in annual benefits.
Under the agreement, the UK would commit to observing and adapting to existing EU rules on plant, animal and food trade standards, a process called "dynamic alignment." Exports of fresh sausages, burgers, shellfish from domestic waters and seed potatoes would also be able to resume. The agreement would allow passports for UK pets taken into the EU.
Similar draft texts for deals on emissions trading and a youth travel and work scheme have also been circulated, alongside a 15-page draft joint statement for UK and EU leaders. The BBC understands the draft agreements will also reference UK involvement in defence cooperation, access to law enforcement databases, and the EU's "Made in Europe" plans.
Supermarkets and farmers' representatives have backed the food trade plans. Some pro-Brexit campaigners have criticised the reapplication of EU rules. The British Chamber of Commerce said the current trade relationship is "failing to deliver" and called on the government to examine and publish options for a closer relationship. Shevaun Havilland, the BCC's director general, said: "Government needs to examine all of the options, remain clear-headed about the trade-offs each involves, and involve business in the decision-making process from the start."