In a significant policy shift, the UK government has postponed planned post-Brexit border checks on medium-risk fruits and vegetables from the European Union until January 31, 2027. Originally scheduled for July 2025 under the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), the delay aims to prevent trade disruptions and simplify import procedures.

The checks would have applied to key EU produce like tomatoes, cherries, peaches, grapes, plums, and peppers. With this deferral, EU traders can continue supplying these items to the UK without import inspections or additional fees—a relief for exporters and retailers alike.

The UK and EU are also in talks to establish a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) zone, although detailed agreements remain pending. The UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is working closely with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and border control partners to uphold UK biosecurity while ensuring smooth trade flows.

🇬🇧 Beef Sector Gets Boost: BSE Risk Downgraded to 'Negligible'

In ' significant win for UK meat exporters, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has revised the UK’s UK'sne Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) risk status from "cont"olled" to "negl"gible"—its"safest rating.

The move is expected to enhance global confidence in British beef, potentially opening up new markets and simplifying processing regulations for abattoirs. This follows confirmed, yet isolated, cases of atypical BSE reported in 2024 and 2025, which are non-contagious and occur spontaneously, posing minimal public health risk.

“This good news reflects our strict controls to protect consumers,” said Natasha Smith, Deputy Director of Food Policy at the Food Standards Agency (FSA). “With strict feed regulations and targeted removal of risk-prone tissues, public safety remains uncompromised.”

For meat processors, the decision means greater carcass utilisation and reduced operational burdens.

“After the devastating impact of classical BSE in the 1980s, this recognition validates the UK’s strong biosecurity and surveillance systems,” said David Barton, Chair of the NFU Livestock Board. “It signals new growth potential for UK beef exports.”