Brussels has issued a firm warning to London: the UK must uphold its commitments on goods inspections entering Northern Ireland before a broader trade deal on food and agricultural products can move forward.
The proposed agreement, central to the UK’s economic growth plans, aims to remove controls on food and animal trade with the European Union by 2027. However, EU diplomats say trust is wearing thin as the UK has yet to carry out the full inspection regime agreed under the 2023 Windsor Framework.
“If they haven’t implemented what was already promised, why should we trust them with a bigger deal?” commented one EU diplomat.
According to European Commission officials, the UK must ensure that all checks are properly enforced and that EU inspectors have full access to IT systems tracking parcels and freight by November 1. This includes the proper labelling and certification of all goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain.
Three EU diplomats revealed that current inspections are far below the required 10% level, with many products found to be non-compliant. Among the breaches were shipments of South African oranges — banned in the EU due to the “citrus black spot” fungus, which poses a threat to the continent’s fruit industry.
The Republic of Ireland has also voiced alarm over unchecked goods crossing its border and potentially entering the wider EU market.
A joint UK-EU statement last week reaffirmed the need for “full operational delivery of all SPS inspection facilities and certification compliance,” ensuring that trade flexibilities only apply to compliant goods.
For the UK, the issue carries heavy economic implications. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has reportedly asked the Office for Budget Responsibility to include the expected economic boost from the forthcoming deal in its forecasts — a move that could help her meet fiscal targets.
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