The reason for the proposed extension is the agreement that the United Kingdom and the European Union are negotiating on sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS). According to the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), such an agreement would allow the relevant controls on fruit and vegetables originating in the EU to be removed.
The exemption was introduced in 2024 alongside the implementation of import controls under the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM). Its purpose was to give businesses more time to prepare for the controls planned for plants and plant products classified as medium risk.
As a result, these products were temporarily exempted from phytosanitary checks. Extending the exemption until the end of January 2028 would coincide with the planned end of the phased transitional period.
UK-EU negotiations enter advanced stage
According to the UK Government, negotiations on the SPS agreement are at an advanced stage. In a written parliamentary response dated 28 October, the Government reiterated its objective of concluding the negotiations ahead of the next UK-EU summit, scheduled for 20 November.
If the SPS agreement comes into force, it would allow the current control system for fruit and vegetables originating in the European Union to be amended, avoiding the phytosanitary checks planned for products included in this risk category.
