25 November 2024: UK-Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein FTA Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures 鈥� joint minutes
Published 10 April 2025
漏 Crown copyright 2025
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Joint minutes of the second meeting of the 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 second meeting of the Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures under the UK-Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein free trade agreement took place virtually on 25 November 2024.
Participants from the UK, Norway, and Iceland had a fruitful exchange of views on matters related to implementation of the听SPS听颁丑补辫迟别谤.
1.听翱辫别苍颈苍驳 remarks
Norway opened the meeting with introductory remarks followed by those from Iceland and the UK.
2.听础辫辫谤辞惫补濒 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-EEA EFTA听Joint Committee mutatis mutandis based on mutual understanding, as was the case for the first听SPS听蝉耻产肠辞尘尘颈迟迟别别.
3.听翱辫别谤补迟颈辞苍补濒 conclusions from the previous meeting听
Norway provided a brief update on the operational conclusions from the previous subcommittee.
4.听滨苍蹿辞谤尘补迟颈辞苍 exchange on animal welfare
The UK provided a presentation on the UK animal welfare regime and its objectives. An exchange of information on animal welfare priorities followed this. Future collaboration and cooperation on animal welfare by all parties was discussed and welcomed.
5.听搁别辫辞谤迟 on wild caught white fish 鈥� risk categories
The UK provided an update on the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) and risk categorisation. It was highlighted that there would be review and repeat analysis of categorisation as needed, as risks may change, and new data becomes available.听Generally, it is expected most commodities will remain within their broad categories, but where changes are made, notifications will be provided with sufficient time for establishments and businesses to adapt.
6.听贰-肠别谤迟颈蹿颈肠补迟颈辞苍/别濒别肠迟谤辞苍颈肠 health certificates听
Discussion concerned current status and work by the parties on the future use of e-certification and a brief update from the UK regarding work in the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS).
The parties acknowledged the work and cooperation on e-certification that had taken place.
7.听础苍测 change in policy foreseen with the new UK government regarding听SPS听measures and cooperation with partner countries
Following the UK鈥檚 general election, Norway and Iceland were interested to understand any potential change in policy foreseen, particularly with regards to the EU. The UK highlighted that dialogue and the work are in early stages, so the UK was not able to provide detail on any changes.听
8.听滨苍蹿辞谤尘补迟颈辞苍 about the meeting between Norwegian Minister of Fisheries, Ms Sivertsen N忙ss, and UK Minister of State, Mr Zeichner, on 9 October 2024听
An update was provided on the meeting between the 2 ministers which was held in a friendly atmosphere and a mutual wish to continue the valuable cooperation.听SPS听issues were at the core of the discussion.听听
9.听颁补濒别苍诲补谤 of the听SPS听颁辞尘尘颈迟迟别别听
The parties agreed that it is useful to hold meetings on an annual basis. They could look to engage on preparations for the next听SPS听committee approximately 3 months in advance.听The timing of the next meeting would be coordinated via the secretariats from each country.
10.听笔耻产濒颈肠补迟颈辞苍 of minutes
Minutes would be produced for approval by all parties. It was agreed that a condensed version of the minutes could be published.
11.听翱辫别谤补迟颈辞苍补濒 conclusions
Norway summarised the discussions during this committee meeting.
12.听础苍测 other business
No items raised.听
13.听颁濒辞蝉颈苍驳 谤别尘补谤办蝉听
The parties agreed that it is important to meet regularly in this context to discuss matters of cooperation and relevant听SPS听items between the UK and the听EEA听EFTA听states.听
All parties thanked those involved for the collaboration prior to this meeting and organisation of what was a productive meeting.