Defra SPS Agreement - Call for Information

A Call for Information has been launched by DEFRA to assist with a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement which it’s anticipated will make it easier, cheaper and more predictable to move goods to the EU and around the UK – this includes horses and associated 'products'.

In response, the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) is calling on the equestrian industry to make their voices known and represent their case with conviction and passion.

A spokesperson for the BEF said:

"The current parameters for movements to and from the EU aren’t sustainable for our industry – it impacts on each and every one of us. Of course, the additional cost, time and barriers are a huge factor – but for those taking horses through Border Control Points, the negative impact on equine welfare is unacceptable."

"This is our chance to make a difference – and put equestrian activities firmly in the conversations around the negotiations. Your submissions will help the British Horse Council and British Equestrian put forward our industry’s case effectively – and convincingly. We need a seat at the table and the more we can represent our industry and activities – and the economic impact current operating conditions continue to have – the better for us all."

Submitting a response will provide DEFRA and the Cabinet Office with specific details of the issues faced by the equestrian industry and the requirements that need to be addressed. Each response submitted will increase the chance of a positive outcome from the 2027 proposed changes to movements to and from the EU. 

The BEF expect that the proposed changes will reduce the need to border checks and documentary controls on equines and germinal products being moved in and out of GB, easing the burden of legitimate movements. In order for this to happen the UK will need to “Dynamically Align” with the EU, meaning that we will have to adopt some of their regulations.

The online form may take a couple of hours to complete.  To help, the BEF have put together a guidance document to help you prepare your submission – having everything prepared ahead of time will make the process easier and quicker.

There's also a crib sheet of suggested answers to help guide or use.

Links to these documents, and a copy of the questionnaire, are below:

Guidance for Completing the SPS Call for Information 

SPS survey question help 

DEFRA SPS Agreement Questions 

The CFI closes on 23 April.

Submit your resonse online via DEFRA UK-EU SPS Agreement – Call for Information