Great Britain Returns to EU Customs Rules for Agri-Imports

The agriculture agreement is part of a broader package that London and Brussels will continue discussing on November 20. This package also includes agreements on emissions trading, youth exchange, defense cooperation, and increased economic collaboration.

Return

The agreement means that many customs formalities, veterinary checks, and administrative requirements introduced after Britain's departure from the EU can be eliminated. In this way, Great Britain largely returns to European rules for agricultural and food trade without rejoining the EU.

The new arrangements are expected to come into effect only in the first quarter of 2028. Until then, the existing inspections and customs checks will remain in place. In exchange for easier access to the European market, Great Britain must adopt the EU rules on food safety, animal welfare, plant health, and agricultural production. 

EU Rules

On the other hand, London gives up part of its autonomy in setting agricultural regulations. This so-called dynamic alignment was unacceptable during the original Brexit negotiations under Boris Johnson.

British farmers fear that this will make them dependent again on Brussels' decisions. Differences in regulations on pesticides and new techniques for plant breeding could especially cause problems.

Divided

Prime Minister Andy Burnham views the agreement as part of a broader rapprochement with Europe but has not proposed restoring free movement of people. The British opposition is divided. Conservatives and Reform UK oppose once again adopting European rules. The Liberal Democrats want to go further and advocate returning to the European single market and a customs union.