The SPs Agreement (or the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Agreement) is a crucial part of international trade agreements. This agreement ensures that food safety and animal welfare standards are maintained throughout the entire supply chain. However, with the upcoming Brexit, there are concerns regarding how the UK will continue to uphold this agreement and its implications for trade.
The SPs Agreement was established by the World Trade Organization to prevent the spread of diseases and pests that can affect animals, plants, and humans. The agreement sets out guidelines for the inspection, testing, and certification of products to ensure that they meet the required standards for import and export. This means that products are checked for contamination or harmful substances before they are allowed to enter the market.
Brexit has raised concerns regarding how the UK will maintain these standards, especially considering the UK’s reliance on trade with the EU. The UK is currently in a transition period until 31st December 2020, during which it still follows EU regulations. After this period, the UK will be free to set its own standards and regulations.
This could potentially lead to a divergence in standards between the UK and the EU. If the UK decides to lower its standards, it may face difficulties in trade with the EU as the EU is likely to uphold the existing SPs Agreement. Furthermore, other countries may also refuse imports from the UK, citing concerns about standards and safety.
On the other hand, if the UK decides to maintain its standards, it could potentially open up opportunities for trade with other countries. However, it will need to establish its own SPs Agreement, which could take time and resources.
Whatever the outcome, it is clear that the SPs Agreement is a crucial part of international trade and any changes to it will have wide-reaching implications. The UK’s decision on its standards could potentially affect many industries, from food and agriculture to pharmaceuticals. Therefore, it will be essential for the UK government to establish clear guidelines and regulations to ensure that the UK continues to uphold high standards of safety and quality in its products.