International trade

The government has now published the final version of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM). The key changes to the final version are the revised dates on the introduction of certification and check requirements for EU imports:

• 31 Jan 2024: the introduction of certification requirements on imports from the EU
• 30 April 2024: documentary and risk-based identity and physical checks on medium-risk products and on high-risk food and feed of non-animal origin imports from the EU

Key documents that we have produced for FDF members are available here:

FDF overview of the final BTOM

FDF BTOM issues tracker

FDF response to the BTOM consultation

The Windsor Framework sets out updated processes for movements of goods from Great Britain (GB) into Northern Ireland (NI). 

Key documents that we have produced for FDF members are available here:

FDF overview of the Windsor Framework

FDF Windsor Framework issues tracker

FDF Navigating the Windsor Framework slides

Defra have shared two letters with industry on enforcement and compliance. The first letter covers the overall approach in the initial months of the scheme with the second letter focusing on further exceptions to box level labelling requirements and conditions for moving Rest of World (Non-UK/EU goods). 

Next steps

Your input is needed

We need your support to help us push back on the government's unnecessary and damaging plans to extend 'not for EU' product labelling on a UK-wide basis. More details are available for FDF members in these documents:

Impacts of UK-wide 'not for EU' labelling

UK-wide 'not for EU' labelling infographic

The FDF Trade Snapshot shows that exports for the first half of 2023 have risen to almost £12 billion, up nearly £0.5 billion from the same period in 2022. The data shows strong growth in sales to European markets. This report also looks at trade with India and Turkey.

Download the FDF H1 2023 Trade Snapshot

The FDF Trade Snapshot shows that exports were up 10% reaching £5.9bn in Q1 2023, driven by double digit growth to the EU and a £100m increase to Ireland. Sales to a large majority of our top 20 markets were up, led by 70% growth to Spain and to Singapore, while exports to Taiwan were up 35%.

Download the FDF Q1 2023 Trade Snapshot

On 31 March 2023, the UK government announced that it had reached agreement in principle to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership – better known as CPTPP – a trade bloc that spans 11 countries in the Indo-Pacific region which is set to grow beyond the UK’s accession.

The agreement includes 30 chapters that cover a range of areas including market access for goods, customs administration, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, labour, environment, SMEs and regulatory coherence. The deal upholds the UK’s high food safety and animal welfare standards and any imports will continue to comply with existing UK requirements.

We have identified five key benefits for UK food and drink manufacturers:

1. It delivers new opportunities to export to Malaysia and Brunei

   UK manufacturers will benefit from new opportunities to export to Malaysia and Brunei with the removal of tariffs that have until now blocked our exports. This includes the complete removal on entry into force of Malaysian tariffs of up to 20% on many manufactured products including soft drinks, confectionery and chocolate.

2. It makes exports to the other nine CPTPP members more competitive

   While the UK already has FTAs with the other nine members, CPTPP offers a range of new and improved opportunities in most of these markets. This includes access to a tariff-free cheese export quota in Canada, additional access for dairy and cereals in Japan and the removal of tariffs on chocolate and confectionery to Mexico.

3. It secures improved access to essential imports that enhance our resilience

   While we haven’t yet seen the full details of the UK’s agreement on import tariffs, we know that the deal will cut tariffs on a wide range of products, providing more competitive access for UK importers to many ingredients and raw materials used in UK manufacturing that either aren’t produced domestically or not in sufficient quantities.

4. It provides more flexibility for manufacturers to access tariff-free trade

   Rules of origin are the terms and conditions that dictate if a trader is able to access a preferential tariff in a trade agreement. CPTPP includes a single set of rules that will offer an alternative for businesses to those in the nine existing FTAs and this can help to unlock additional opportunities for UK exporters. The rules of origin also allow full cumulation, supporting production of goods that use inputs sourced from across the trade bloc.

5. It speeds up trade in short shelf life food and drink products

   Businesses that trade in limited shelf life products will benefit from a commitment from all CPTPP member states to ensure goods will be released within 48 hours of arrival wherever possible. It also includes a commitment to move to the use of electronic systems for customs users that can help to cut bureaucracy and the cost of trade.

We have produced further documents for FDF members to find out more about CPTPP:

FDF overview of the CPTPP agreement

FDF guidance on CPTPP rules of origin

Our latest Trade Snapshot shows the food and drink sector has overseen a resurgence in export sales, with most categories now exceeding pre-pandemic levels to reach a record £24.8bn.

UK exports to Europe and developing markets are some of the key drivers for this upturn, and trade with fast-growing economies like Vietnam nearly doubling. For the very first time, exports to non-EU markets have broken through the £10bn barrier.

Download the FDF 2022 Trade Snapshot