Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make it her policy to reclassify equine germinal products imported from the EU as medium risk.

Equine germinal products are a high-risk commodity and require 100% documentary and identity checks upon import from the EU under the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).

The SPS agreement, outlined at the UK-EU Leader’s Summit on 19th May 2025, will establish a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Area, aimed at facilitating the safe and efficient trade. The SPS Agreement will cover sanitary rules and the regulation of germinal product, including animal health conditions governing imports.

We are aiming to conclude negotiations and have legislative arrangements in place no later than 2027, subject to discussion with the EU.

Regarding the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), we have been clear that compliance with the existing BTOM controls must continue until further notice, because the UK’s biosecurity and public health must continue to be protected.