On Tuesday 3 November, the European Union and the United Kingdom agreed to scrap a large proportion of the additional Brexit checks. These include, for example, checks on meat and dairy products, as well as documentary checks on the trade in flowers and plants. This will allow goods to cross the border more quickly. It will save time and money, particularly for smaller importers and exporters who are struggling to absorb the additional costs of Brexit.

In exchange for this relaxation, the United Kingdom must align its food safety and agricultural regulations with those of the European Union. The new arrangements are expected to be introduced in the first quarter of 2028. The original plan had been for the rules to come into force as early as next year. The delay is partly due to the fact that UK legislation must first be amended.

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