UK Halts Extra Border Checks on EU Animal Imports Amid Trade Deal Negotiations

Britain is delaying the introduction of additional border checks on live animal imports from the EU to facilitate trade under a new deal intended to lessen UK-EU trade frictions. The deal will reduce paperwork and remove routine checks while maintaining food standards, but its implementation remains pending.

The UK government announced on Monday its decision to suspend the introduction of additional border checks on live animal imports from the European Union, facilitating trade as a new deal to reduce friction takes shape. The measure extends to certain animal and plant goods imported from Ireland.

The suspension aligns with May's sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal, part of a broader goal to reset UK-EU relations by cutting paperwork and removing standard border checks on plant and animal products, while upholding stringent food safety standards. However, the SPS deal awaits finalization as negotiations are still underway.

Despite the suspension, British traders must adhere to the UK's Border Target Operating Model to safeguard biosecurity. Previously planned for fruit and vegetable imports from the EU, these checks were lifted in June. A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson noted there is no fixed timeline for the SPS deal's implementation.

(With inputs from agencies.)