International trade guidance for food and drink manufacturers

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Welcome

Whether you import, export, or do both, the FDF International Trade Hub is your central source of guidance, support, and the latest policy updates.

From the EU-UK SPS Agreement, the Windsor Framework and border controls, to free trade agreements and wider trade policy developments, we provide practical information to help businesses trade more easily and effectively.

You'll also find useful resources from government and industry stakeholders, opportunities to join events and webinars, sign up for our newsletter, and engage with FDF's International Trade Committee to help shape our work on behalf of the industry.

Latest Updates

Read the latest international trade updates in food and drink manufacturing.

Guidance and support

Published: 23 July 2021 | Updated:01 October 2026

Report

Trade Snapshot H1 2026: Food and drink market analysis

25 September 2026

Guidance

UK Border policy guidance

Updated: 07 September 2026

Guidance

Trade policy guidance

Published: 19 June 2020 | Updated:11 August 2026

Border policy

Direction sign at a commercial and ferry port to Ireland

FDF position on the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention (PEM)

The government has published an overview of business responses to the call for evidence on potential UK membership of the PEM Convention, launched in November 2025. This document summarises business sentiment and potential next steps relevant to UK food and drink businesses.

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Trade policy

Factory undertaking automated production of bakery products

Trade policy

Our priorities for UK trade policy, including our trade and investment strategy and detailed positions on live negotiations.

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Man with strawberry plant communicating the UK and EU Common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement

Member only

SPS Agreement Impact on Exports, Imports and NI Movements

The below circular outlines expected changes to import and export processes and impacts on movements between GB and Northern Ireland under the UK-EU SPS Agreement.

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Member only

FDF Guidance on Duty Suspensions

Click here for FDF guidance on duty suspensions processes including results of the 2026 application window and the recent Cost of Living packages.

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FDF’s 10 priorities to ensure the SPS agreement delivers for the UK

The Food and Drink Federation has set out its 10 key priorities as government progresses its negotiations for the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU, to ensure the deal delivers for UK food manufacturers.

Guidance and support

All guidance and support

Observing the sun peeking through the trees in a forest

Member only

UK/EU Initiatives to Ensure Deforestation-Free Supply Chains

This document outlines the latest on EU and UK policies to ensure deforestation free supply chains. Members are encouraged to provide feedback on questions shared by Defra on readiness for EUDR and opportunities for UK alignment with the EU approach.

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Member only

UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

This document outlines the latest updates on the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, due to be introduced on 1 January 2027. Draft secondary legislation was published earlier this year. Members must register for CBAM if the total value of in scope imports exceeds £50,000 over a 12-month rolling period.

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SPS Agreement: what you need to know

UK food and drink law is aligning with the EU’s laws on food safety and standards. This is wider than a trade agreement with the EU and applies to all UK food and drink businesses, even if they don’t trade with the EU. Find out what UK food & drink manufacturers need to know about the SPS agreement so you can stay up to date and confidently navigate EU agri-food law alignment.

The SPS Agreement

Member Survey 2026

Help shape the future direction of FDF. Complete our membership survey to inform our priorities for the year ahead and ensure we’re providing the right support for your business.

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