The impact of import standards on the agricultural sector

The debate on import standards for agricultural products has, to some extent, arisen as a result of the UK’s post-Brexit free trade agreements. These agreements have generally cut the UK’s tariffs (import taxes) on agricultural imports from the partner country. This has led to concerns about increases in imports of products produced to lower standards than apply to UK farmers. These concerns have related to animal welfare and use of pesticides, for example. The concerns not only relate to ethical and human health implications but also to how they may allow imports to undercut UK agricultural production.

Animal welfare concerns relate to practices that are either banned or more highly regulated in the UK than in other countries. For example, the use of conventional battery cages is banned in the UK but legal in Canada and Mexico. Pig welfare during pork production has also been raised as a concern in CPTPP countries, including routine tail docking and the use of sow stalls which restrict a sow’s movement during pregnancy. Neither of these practices are allowed in the UK.

The Trade and Agriculture Commission, the independent expert body that advises the government on the implications of trade deals for UK agricultural standards, has highlighted differences in use of pesticides in trading partner countries.

A number of farming and animal welfare groups have called for “core standards” to apply to agri-food products imported into the UK.

The NFU has said core standards would allow UK farmers to compete with imports on a level playing field and ensure that food consumed in the UK would meet the high standards expected by many UK consumers, regardless of whether it was produced domestically or imported.

Banning imports of products which do not meet these standards could run into issues at the World Trade Organization but may be permitted under certain circumstances.

In its June 2025 Trade Strategy, the government said it would uphold high animal welfare standards and would not lower food standards. It said it recognised concerns about production methods not allowed in the UK, such as sow stalls and battery cages.

The government noted that production methods could vary between countries due to differences in climate or diseases. It said it would consider whether imports have an unfair advantage and, where necessary, would use powers such as quotas, exclusions and safeguards to protect the most sensitive domestic sectors.