Negotiations underway on UK-EU deal to make trade easier, cheaper and quicker, with Northern Ireland at the heart of the talks
Negotiations on changes to trading arrangements with the European Union are focused on ensuring Northern Ireland fully benefits, with businesses in Northern Ireland urged to take simple steps to prepare.
The government is negotiating a deal that will make agrifood trade with the EU easier, cheaper and quicker for British businesses to export and import, cutting red tape, increasing choice for consumers and putting downward pressure on food price inflation.
Since 2018, exports of food and agricultural products to the EU have fallen by 22%, a drop of almost £4 billion in real terms. That’s meant lost profits, shrinking markets and, in the worst cases, businesses closing their doors.
The Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement will facilitate the smooth flow of agri-food goods, including plants, from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, protecting the UK Internal Market while maintaining Northern Ireland’s unique access to the EU Single Market.
For most agri-food goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, traders will no longer need regulatory certificates, checks or paperwork. This will remove a broad and wide-ranging set of current requirements, cutting fees, forms and frustrating delays for businesses in Northern Ireland from supermarkets to farms and factories.
The Windsor Framework will remain in place, safeguarding Northern Ireland’s unique dual market access and protecting the Good Friday Agreement. Businesses in Northern Ireland businesses will continue to benefit from the ability to trade goods without additional paperwork and checks within both the UK Internal Market and the EU Single Market.
To help preparations, the government has today launched a six-week Call for Information to understand how it can best support businesses to make the most of this opportunity.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:
Northern Ireland Secretary, Hilary Benn, said:
Ulster Farmers’ Union President William Irvine said:
The government is working toward a mid-2027 start date for the new agreement Acting as a reliable partner and delivering on existing commitments, the government will continue to work closely with businesses to support them in meeting the current requirements of the Windsor Framework.
What Businesses in Northern Ireland Can Do Now
While negotiations continue, businesses can take practical steps to get ready:
Detailed guidance will be published as negotiations progress to ensure businesses across Northern Ireland – from farmers and processors to retailers and hauliers – are ready to benefit from day one.