Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures are critical protections established to safeguard human, animal, and plant health globally.
These regulations affect the trade in various agricultural commodities, including live animals, animal-derived foods, and plant-based products, by guaranteeing that imports comply with rigorous health and safety standards. The detailed nature of SPS controls requires diligent collaboration between importers and suppliers to guarantee compliance and mitigate supply chain disruptions.
You can read more about SPS measures and what 2025 will hold in the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade’s free guide on importing goods in 2025, which you can access here.
Importance of SPS measures
SPS measures eliminate potential risks related to the movement of goods that may introduce pests or diseases. For importers, especially those dealing with perishable goods such as non-frozen meats and fresh vegetables, compliance with SPS standards is essential.
Non-compliance may lead to delays, increased costs, or the outright rejection of goods at the border—a daunting scenario for products with limited shelf lives. In a continuously regulated landscape, importers need to have a comprehensive understanding of SPS regulations and documentation requirements to prevent expensive delays and disruptions.
There have been a range adjustments to SPS controls for goods imported into the UK from the EU in 2024, with more to come in 2025. These updates reflect a more risk-oriented methodology where goods are classified into risk levels, accompanied by different documentation and inspection requirements.
Risk-based categorisation
Import requirements are now dependent on the 'risk category' of the goods, with higher-risk items, such as specific animal and plant products, subject to more stringent regulations. These products may necessitate export health certificates or phytosanitary certificates, and are more likely to be subject to inspection at designated border posts or inland facilities.
Pre-notification requirement
Border authorities must be informed of the movements of high- or medium-risk SPS commodities at least 24 hours prior to their crossing. This process helps authorities to efficiently manage examinations and prevent border congestion.
Common User Charge
This year has also seen the introduction of a Common User Charge for SPS-eligible products entering Great Britain through the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel. This fee is applicable to all qualifying products, regardless of whether or not inspections are conducted. The objective of this charge is to ensure that the essential infrastructure remains functional and responsive by distributing the costs of maintaining government-run border control posts among all users.
Postponements and extensions in SPS controls
The government has granted extensions and easements for specific SPS requirements in order to facilitate smoother transition.
The extension of an easement on import inspections for medium-risk fruits and vegetables from the EU, which was originally scheduled to expire in January 2025, has been extended until July 1, 2025.
This implies that importers will have an extended period of time to adjust their compliance procedures, as affected products will not be subject to checks or associated fees at British borders until mid-2025.
Certificates of Inspection (COIs) for organic foods
The requirement for Certificates of Inspection for organic food products imported from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland has been postponed. The mandate, which was originally scheduled to take effect in February 2025, is now expected to go into effect on 1 February, 2027. This delay allows businesses in the organic food sector to ensure that they have sufficient time to implement the necessary compliance measures without disrupting their operations.
Preparing for compliance
The changing landscape of SPS controls requires proactive adjustments by UK importers. By collaborating closely with suppliers to guarantee that all necessary documentation is prepared and verified prior to the arrival of products at the border, the likelihood of delays can be substantially reduced. Added to that, it will be essential to maintain awareness of regulatory changes and effectively manage pre-notifications in order to ensure that cross-border operations are carried out efficiently.
The significance of effective import compliance practices is underscored by the new and upcoming SPS measures. Importers can safeguard their business interests and contribute to national and international health and safety standards by understanding and adhering to these regulations. It will be essential to remain informed and engaged with regulatory updates to continue to ensure the seamless trade of agricultural goods, given the anticipated changes in the future years.