Decision

6 to 15 November 2024: Joint minutes of the second meeting of the Subcommittee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures under the Association Agreement between the United Kingdom and Central America

Updated 31 October 2025

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-central-america-committee-documents/6-to-15-november-2024-joint-minutes-of-the-second-meeting-of-the-subcommittee-on-sanitary-and-phytosanitary-measures-under-the-association-agreement

The second meeting of the subcommittee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures under the Agreement establishing an association between the United Kingdom and Central America took place on 6 to 15 November 2024, through written correspondence.   

1. Members of the subcommittee and approval of the agenda

The UK and the Central American countries approved the agenda and exchanged details of the members of the subcommittee.

2. Border measures

The UK provided an update to the Central American countries on the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) and risk categorisation. Information was also exchanged on various items including export certificates, border checkpoints contact details, and documentation required for exports. Further clarification was requested on other items raised.

The UK provided links and information on requirements for the export of fishery products to the UK and further clarification was sought for other items raised.

The UK also provided Central American countries with presentations and supporting information on:

  • animal welfare in the UK
  • the UK’s work on antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

4. Import approval procedures for products of animal and plant origin

Various information was exchanged between the UK and several Central American countries on market access requests, products approved for export, and the procedure for approval of new products.

5. Approval of establishments

Information was exchanged and links provided in relation to the procedure for approval of establishments for exports of animals and animal products to Great Britain, and list of establishments in non EU countries approved to export to Great Britain.

Clarification was also provided on a number of other items raised.

6. Request for update on residue control plans

The UK provided an update to, and requested information from, a number of the Central American countries on residue control plans. Further information was provided by various Central American countries in response.

7. Emergency measures: Rapid Alert Network Focal Point contact details.

The UK gave an update on the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) after leaving the EU and its current engagement with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) International Food Safety Authority Network (INFOSAN).  Members also updated each other on relevant contact points.

8. Sanitary and Phytosanitary cooperation and capacity building activities

 Central American countries highlighted their interest in cooperation activities in a number of areas, including sampling, inspection, and analysis.

9. Future meetings

Members agreed to review in eight months’ time the timing of the next Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) subcommittee.

10. Agreement on publication of minutes

Members agreed the UK’s proposal that a condensed version of the minutes for this second SPS subcommittee could be published on the UK government website.

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