# UK and EU Draft Deal to Reduce Post-Brexit Food Export Red Tape New agreement aims to remove costly export checks and streamline trade between UK and EU. - **Source:** [BBC News](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business) - **Published:** 2026-11-03 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/dd1277e7-6d3c-4468-aba9-91d3f1a4c524 ## Draft Agreement on Food Exports The UK and EU have circulated a 200-page draft text for a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement. This deal aims to remove post-Brexit checks on food and agricultural exports. The proposal is currently under consideration by EU nations in Brussels, with discussions scheduled for a meeting of ambassadors this Wednesday. ## Significant Reduction in Trade Costs The deal targets the elimination of various fees, including £200 Export Health Certificates and £25 Phytosanitary certificates. It also removes inspector, organic, and sampling fees that have burdened businesses since the UK left the single market. The government estimates these changes could eventually generate £5.1bn in annual economic benefits for the UK. ## Resuming Specific Product Exports This agreement facilitates the resumption of UK exports to the EU for fresh sausages, burgers, and shellfish from domestic waters. Additionally, it covers seed potatoes and allows for the use of passports for UK pets traveling into the EU. These measures address specific trade disruptions that occurred following the post-Brexit transition period. ## Mechanism of Dynamic Alignment To achieve these trade benefits, the UK commits to observing and adapting to existing EU regulations on plant, animal, and food standards. This process, known as dynamic alignment, ensures regulatory consistency. While some divergence exists, such as in plant precision breeding, transition arrangements are being established to manage these specific regulatory differences. ## Broader Scope of Negotiations Beyond food, the draft includes plans for emissions trading and a youth travel scheme. The government is introducing a European Partnerships Bill to provide a legal mechanism for applying new EU rules. This framework also supports linking the UK emissions trading scheme with the EU's, preventing exporters from paying carbon border taxes. ## Business Sector Perspectives The British Chamber of Commerce reports that 56% of exporting businesses want customs paperwork and delays removed to facilitate growth. Manufacturers show even higher demand at 58%. While supermarkets and farmers support the plans, some pro-Brexit campaigners criticize the reapplication of EU rules, citing concerns over the loss of regulatory freedom. ## Future Relationship Options The BCC has proposed nine potential models for a future UK-EU relationship, including a customs union or a Swiss-style single market arrangement. The organization urges the government to analyze these options thoroughly. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has expressed interest in launching a conversation regarding a long-term path, potentially including rejoining the bloc. ## Strategic Implications of the Deal This draft agreement represents the most significant step in the Brexit reset process to date. By addressing specific trade frictions, it aims to stabilize the economic relationship between the two parties. Future discussions will likely cover defence cooperation and law enforcement database access, signaling a shift toward closer cooperation after years of tension. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cmp3grwre9xdo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._