Red tape on meat exports to EU slashed after deal, UK Government says

Scottish meat exporters will benefit from less red tape following a deal with the EU, the UK Government has said.

The agreement will enable Scottish food producers to sell items such as raw burgers and sausages to the economic bloc for the first time since Brexit.

Last year, Scotland sold £123 million worth of meat to the EU, including Angus beef, Lorne sausage and grouse.

The UK Government said the new deal will slash the costs and the red tape “burdening British businesses” which export to and import from the EU, while cutting lengthy delays currently facing traders.

The deal will also see an end to documentary and physical checks on UK goods such as dairy, fish and eggs.

And routine border checks will be eliminated which ministers say will ensure produce hits European shelves more quickly.

In total, an agreement could add up to £5.1 billion a year to the UK economy in the long run, the Government said.

EU relations minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said: “Scotland’s farmers produce some of the best meat in the world but red tape makes it hard for them to export it to the EU.

“We have already reset our relationship with the European Union and now it is my ambition to finalise a food and drink SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary standards) deal with the EU by 2027 to make it easier for farmers to sell their fantastic produce with our biggest trading partner.”

Minister for food security and rural affairs Dame Angela Eagle said: “British meat is globally renowned for its quality and taste, and now our farmers and food exporters will be able to export their premium produce to European markets with fewer barriers.

“By making it simpler and cheaper to trade with the EU, our biggest market, this deal will create growth that helps everyone across the country.”