Mar 11th, 2026
3 mins
Following the recently announced important updates on the UK–EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement, Defra have launched a Call for Information to help ensure businesses are fully prepared for the changes expected to take effect from mid‑2027.
To ensure the full benefits of the agreement are felt across the sector, Defra want to work closely with you as they begin preparations. Businesses of all sizes – including those who do not currently trade with the EU – may need to make changes to processing methods, certification, labelling, IT systems and wider compliance practices.
Defra are keen to gather insight from businesses of all sizes on the type of guidance and support they will need ahead of these changes.
We encourage BFFF members to participate in this consultation as your responses will help shape the tools and detailed sector‑specific information that Defra will publish over the coming months.
This Call for Information will run for 6 weeks opening on 9 March 2026 and closing on 23 April 2026.
If you cannot complete the Call for Information online or you have any questions relating to the Call for Information, you can email Defra at SPSCFI@defra.gov.uk
Government will continue to provide updates through written guidance, checklists, webinars, mailing lists and other channels. A stakeholder advisory board will also be established to support ongoing dialogue as businesses prepare for implementation.
BFFF are actively monitoring the progress of the negotiations and will strive to bring you updates as soon as they are available.
In the meantime, please ensure you regularly check the BFFF members website for updates.
You can also sign up for regular SPS email alerts from Defra here
