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. It also includes arrangements on emissions trading, youth exchanges, defense cooperation, and increased economic collaboration.

Return

The agreement means many customs formalities, veterinary checks, and administrative obligations introduced after Britain's departure from the EU can be removed. Great Britain is thus largely returning to the European rules for agricultural and food trade, without becoming an EU member again.

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

EU Rules

In return, London gives up some of its autonomy in setting agricultural rules. This so-called dynamic alignment was unacceptable during the original Brexit negotiations under Boris Johnson.

British farmers fear this will make them dependent again on Brussels’ decisions. Differences in regulations, particularly concerning crop protection agents and new plant breeding techniques, may 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 re-adopting European rules. The Liberal Democrats want to go further, advocating a return to the European single market and a customs union.