Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, on behalf of the European Commission, has confirmed that a future EU-UK sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement would facilitate the movement of zoo animals without border checks, addressing concerns raised by MEP Kathleen Funchion (The Left) about a severe decline in cross-border transfers of live zoo and safari animals since Brexit.
In a written answer to a parliamentary question, Várhelyi noted that the EU and UK reached a common understanding on 19 May 2025 to work towards a Common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Area. The Council adopted negotiating guidelines on 13 November 2025, covering live animals among other agri-food products. Under the envisaged agreement, the UK would dynamically align with EU SPS rules, allowing movements of animals, including zoo animals, without sanitary checks at borders and using the same certificates as intra-EU movements.
However, Várhelyi clarified that the guidelines do not cover CITES requirements, meaning permits will still be needed for moving CITES-listed species to and from Great Britain. This leaves a gap for endangered species conservation, as many zoo animals fall under CITES.
the Commission aims to include zoo animals in the SPS agreement's scope, but the exclusion of CITES may limit the benefits for conservation. The agreement is still under negotiation, with no set timeline for conclusion. The response provides reassurance but also highlights a remaining hurdle for conservationists and zoos.