An SPS agreement will reduce the need for checks on agri food products moving from Britain to NI. \ Houston Green
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A new agreement on animal and plant health standards between the UK and EU is expected in 2027, NI Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has said.
In May 2025, the UK and EU confirmed plans to reach a new agreement on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) rules, although no timeline for reaching a final deal was given.
An SPS agreement will significantly reduce the need for inspections and administration on agri food products moving from Britain to NI, as well as between Britain and the EU.
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“The UK government are working through the negotiation of the legal text. We understand that implementation will take place in 2027. It will have real benefits for us when it comes to the movement of agri-food products,” Minister Muir said.
Customs deal
Speaking at Stormont on Monday, the Alliance MLA said he was pressing the UK government to go further and reach a customs agreement with the EU which would further reduce trade frictions.
“They have said that that is not on the agenda and is a red line, but I am clear on the substantial benefits that it would have for NI and the UK economy, and I continue to make that case,” he said.
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A new agreement on animal and plant health standards between the UK and EU is expected in 2027, NI Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has said.
In May 2025, the UK and EU confirmed plans to reach a new agreement on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) rules, although no timeline for reaching a final deal was given.
An SPS agreement will significantly reduce the need for inspections and administration on agri food products moving from Britain to NI, as well as between Britain and the EU.
“The UK government are working through the negotiation of the legal text. We understand that implementation will take place in 2027. It will have real benefits for us when it comes to the movement of agri-food products,” Minister Muir said.
Customs deal
Speaking at Stormont on Monday, the Alliance MLA said he was pressing the UK government to go further and reach a customs agreement with the EU which would further reduce trade frictions.
“They have said that that is not on the agenda and is a red line, but I am clear on the substantial benefits that it would have for NI and the UK economy, and I continue to make that case,” he said.
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