UK–EU SPS Agreement: Impact on Irish Agri-Food Trade
Following the UK–EU political agreement announced in May 2025, plans are now in motion to introduce a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement, working alongside the Windsor Framework.
Although the agreement is not expected to take effect until mid-2027, it signals a meaningful shift in how agri-food goods will move between the UK, the EU and Northern Ireland – with clear implications for businesses trading in and out of Ireland.
For Irish producers, importers and exporters, the focus is on practical border changes. These include certification requirements, inspection processes, and the long-term reliability of goods movements.
SPS Agreement: What Is Changing in Practical Terms
At its core, the SPS Agreement is designed to reduce friction caused by regulatory divergence after Brexit. It aims to align certain UK rules more closely with EU SPS standards, removing many of the checks and certificates currently required in agri-food trade.
Rather than introducing entirely new systems, the agreement focuses on simplifying existing processes. This is particularly relevant for goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as well as broader UK–EU trade.
For Irish businesses operating across these routes, the most noticeable change is expected to be greater consistency – especially where supply chains cross multiple borders.
Why the SPS Agreement Matters for Ireland
Ireland’s agri-food sector is heavily dependent on cross-border movement. Supply chains often extend across Ireland, Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
In recent years, SPS requirements have added cost, time and operational risk. This has been especially challenging for time-sensitive goods such as meat, dairy and fresh produce.
The new agreement aims to ease that pressure by reducing routine SPS barriers where risk is low. In practical terms, this could mean fewer physical checks, reduced reliance on Export Health Certificates, and improved confidence in delivery timelines.
As Jocelyn Burke, compliance manager at Customs Support Group, explains:
“For Irish businesses, the biggest day-to-day impact should be fewer delays, less paperwork, and lower costs. While the detail is still developing, the direction is clear – trade should become faster, easier and more predictable between the UK and Ireland.”
This shift allows businesses to spend less time managing compliance and more time focusing on production, quality, and growth.
Who Is Most Likely to Feel the Impact From the SPS Agreement
While the agreement applies across the agri-food sector, certain businesses are likely to feel the impact more directly.
This includes:
- Food and drink manufacturers
- Importers and exporters of SPS-controlled goods
- Logistics providers
- Retailers sourcing products from or through the UK
Producers and processors may also need to review areas such as labelling, compositional standards and certification processes where divergence has developed since EU Exit.
For many, the changes will be manageable, but they will still require planning and awareness.
The Benefits for Irish Supply Chains
From an operational perspective, the potential benefits are clear.
Reduced paperwork can lower compliance costs and limit delays caused by documentation errors or inspection bottlenecks. Faster transit times will be particularly valuable for chilled and perishable goods, where even minor delays can have commercial consequences.
The agreement may also reopen access to certain product categories that have faced restrictions since Brexit. This could create new opportunities across UK and EU markets.
For Irish SMEs in particular, this could make previously unworkable trade routes viable again.
As Jocelyn Burke notes:
“Since Brexit, many businesses – particularly SMEs – have struggled with the added costs and administrative burden of SPS controls. Some stepped back from trading altogether. If this agreement delivers the simplification expected, it has the potential to significantly reduce friction and enable more businesses to re-engage in cross-border trade.”
Perhaps most importantly, improved predictability allows businesses to plan production, transport and stock levels with greater confidence.
What Irish Businesses Should Be Doing in Preparation for the SPS Agreement
Although implementation is still some distance away, preparation should not be delayed.
Early engagement gives businesses time to assess how SPS requirements affect their operations, and how future changes may reshape existing processes.
Practical steps include:
- Reviewing supply chains and cross-border flows
- Speaking with logistics and compliance partners
- Monitoring guidance from industry bodies
Businesses importing goods from outside the EU should also note that Rest of World controls will continue, with some inspection rates expected to increase in line with EU practices.
Jocelyn Burke advises:
“Businesses should start by identifying where SPS rules diverged after Brexit and consider what realignment could mean for their operations. Just as important is staying close to developments over the next 12–18 months, so they can respond quickly as the detail becomes clearer.”
Looking Ahead to the Planned SPS Agreement with Confidence
The planned SPS Agreement represents one of the most meaningful steps towards stabilising agri-food trade since Brexit.
For Irish businesses, it provides an opportunity to move away from reactive compliance and towards simpler, more predictable trade flows.
While change is inevitable, disruption does not have to be. Businesses that begin preparing early will be in a stronger position to adapt and benefit.
Customs Support Group works with agri-food businesses across Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain, supporting compliance, border processes, and cross-border trade planning.
If you would like to understand what the SPS Agreement could mean for your business – or how to prepare ahead of 2027 – contact us to speak with a compliance specialist.
