Transparency data

17 November 2025: UK-Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein FTA Sub-Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures – joint minutes

Published 9 March 2026

Joint minutes of the third meeting of the Sub-Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures under the free trade agreement between the United Kingdom (UK) of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

The third meeting of the Sub-Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures under the UK-Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein free trade agreement took place virtually on 17 November 2025.

Participants from the UK, Norway, and Iceland had a productive discussion on a number of matters related to implementation of the SPS Chapter.

1. Opening remarks

The UK opened the meeting with introductory remarks followed by those from Iceland and Norway.

The importance of working together to ensure safe trade was highlighted.

2. Approval and adoption of the agenda and rules of procedure

All parties approved the agenda.

The parties agreed to continue to follow the rules of procedure for the UK-European Economic Area/European Free Trade Association (UK-EEA/EFTA) Joint Committee mutatis mutandis based on mutual understanding, as was the case for the previous SPS sub-committees.

3. Operational conclusions from the previous meeting 

The UK provided a brief update on the operational conclusions from the previous sub-committee.

4. Request for update on risk categories assessment for wild caught white fish

This agenda item was raised by the EEA EFTA.

The UK confirmed that there had not been any changes to risk categorisation for wild caught or scombroid fish within the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM). They would ensure trading partners had sufficient notification of any changes when these are made.

Norway appreciated the update and good ongoing engagement on this.

5. Update on UK-EU SPS agreement

This agenda item was raised by the UK.

The UK gave a high-level overview of the proposed UK-EU SPS agreement, and there was discussion around potential medium-term implications for trade between the UK, Norway and Iceland. It was agreed to continue engaging on this issue as discussions progress.

6. Positive engagement and communication with Norway and Iceland (aquatic animal health)

This agenda item was raised by the UK.

The UK highlighted the positive and open communication they have with both Norway and Iceland in relation to aquatic animal health matters. It thanked the Norway Competent Authority for its co-operation on a recent issue.

Relevant contacts for issues at Border Control Posts (BCPs) was also discussed.

7. Calendar of the SPS sub-committee meetings and calendar forward look 

The parties agreed that it is useful to hold the SPS sub-committee meetings on an annual basis. They could look to engage on preparations for the next SPS sub-committee approximately 3 months in advance, with potential for another meeting in the interim also discussed. The timing of the next meeting would be co-ordinated via the secretariats from each country.

8. Publication of minutes

Minutes would be produced for approval by all parties. It was agreed that a condensed version of the minutes could be published.

9. Operational conclusions

 The UK summarised the actions discussed during this sub-committee meeting.

10. Closing remarks 

The parties agreed that it had been a positive meeting with discussion of matters of co-operation and relevant SPS items between the UK and the EEA EFTA states. 

All parties thanked those involved for the collaboration prior to this meeting and organisation of what was a productive meeting.