Recent antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rule changes from the European Union, implemented through frameworks overseen by the European Commission, are tightening compliance requirements for animal-origin imports.
Does this affect UK exporters? Yes.
Since Brexit, the UK is treated as a third country under EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) rules. That means UK exporters of meat, dairy, fish, and other animal products must fully meet EU AMR standards — including restrictions on antimicrobial use, residue monitoring, and strengthened veterinary certification.
Key points:
• Third-country status matters – UK exports must demonstrate regulatory equivalence to EU AMR controls.
• Certification burden remains – Export Health Certificates and Official Veterinarian attestations must reflect stricter antimicrobial compliance benchmarks.
• SPS negotiations may ease friction – But until implemented, full third-country controls apply.
AMR is no longer solely a public health issue — it is a trade compliance issue. For UK exporters, regulatory alignment with EU antimicrobial standards is now a market access prerequisite.
If you export animal-origin products into the EU, this is the time for a focused compliance gap assessment.
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Written by Chris Eglington on