About us
We scrutinise new free trade agreements (FTAs) once they are signed. We are independent of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and DBT ministers play no part in the TAC鈥檚 advice on FTAs. However, we are supported by a small Secretariat, which is based in DBT.
Who we are
The Trade and Agriculture Commission (TAC) is an independent expert committee comprising specialists in:
- UK聽animal and plant health standards
- UK聽animal welfare standards
- UK聽environmental standards as they relate to agricultural products
- International trade law and policy
We have evolved from the original Trade and Agriculture Commission, which was set up in July 2020 as an independent, time-limited body to advise on specific questions to inform the UK鈥檚 trade and agriculture policy.
What we do
Our role is to scrutinise new FTAs once they are signed, to inform Parliament鈥檚 understanding of whether measures within FTAs are consistent with the maintenance of UK levels of statutory protection in relation to UK animal and plant health, animal welfare, and environmental standards.
The TAC does not inform or comment on negotiations.
Reporting
罢丑别听TAC鈥檚 role was approved by Parliament during passage of the and .