British meat exports to the EU have collapsed since Brexit

Great Britain left the EU at the end of January 2020 and has no longer been a member of the EU customs union and internal market since 2021. Despite a free trade agreement agreed at the last minute, there are bureaucratic hurdles and other trade barriers.

High costs for certificates

The association emphasized that the ongoing annual costs for the export certification industry now amount to more than 50 million pounds (57.44 million euros). “Exporters could now incur additional costs of £2,500 to £3,000 per load on each shipment – ​​caused by red tape, controls and delays at borders.”

BMPA boss John Powell wants to draw attention to the problem before the EU Committee of the British House of Lords on Tuesday and promote the new so-called SPS agreement with the EU. This would make controls on food as well as live animals, feed, plants and seeds easier.

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This could revitalize trade flows, support smaller exporters and rebuild closer business relationships with customers in the EU, the BMPA said. “The EU remains the UK’s closest and most important red meat market, accounting for up to 90 per cent of sheep meat exports and around 80 per cent of beef exports. The growth opportunities in this market therefore far outweigh those in markets further afield.”

The supply chains are already aligned with EU standards. “With very few exceptions, a proportion of every animal slaughtered in the UK is destined for the EU market.” Therefore, farms, livestock transporters, slaughterhouses and processing plants would already be working in accordance with EU requirements. A large part of the current certification effort consists of checking compliance with standards.