Egypt drops halal certification requirement for UK dairy exports

EGYPT – The Government of Egypt has retracted its plans that required halal certification on all UK dairy products shipped to Egypt, protecting an estimated £250 million worth of export opportunities.

The proposed requirements were due to come into force in January and were predicted to add about £1,000 per shipment in additional costs and procedures.

The UK exported around £26 million worth of dairy items to Egypt in 2024, with cheese, butter and milk products among the most popular products for international buyers.

The Department for Business and Trade said the trade U-turn will protect an estimated £250 million in additional export opportunities for farmers over five years.

Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs Daniel Zeichner said: “Britain is a great place for dairy farming and has an excellent reputation for quality, welfare standards and sustainability globally. The change to certification requirements in Egypt will cut costs and red tape for exporters, boosting growth opportunities.”

The move is also expected to reduce red tape and boost export growth, aligning with the UK’s broader trade strategy to facilitate international commerce, even as new tariff challenges emerge from the US under Donald Trump’s administration.

India secures zero duty on 95% farm goods exports in UK Trade deal

Concurrently, India secured zero duties on 95 per cent of agriculture and processed food items by excluding dairy products, edible oils, and apples in the free trade agreement (FTA) with the UK.

On the other hand, Indian staples like turmeric, pepper, and cardamom; processed goods like mango pulp, pickles, and pulses; and marine products such as shrimp and tuna will enjoy duty-free access in the UK market.

In agriculture, the UK imports USD 37.52 billion worth of products, but imports from India are just USD 811 million.

“India’s farmers are poised to be the biggest winners of the FTA, which unlocks premium UK markets for their produce, matching or exceeding the benefits already enjoyed by exporters from Germany, the Netherlands, and other EU nations,” a commerce ministry official said.

This will lead to a reduction in the landed cost of these Indian products in the UK market, boosting India’s export and enhancing the income of domestic farmers.

With regard to the benefits for the blue economy, the FTA provides for zero-duty access for 99 per cent of exports, including shrimp, tuna, fishmeal, and feeds. These are currently taxed in the range of 4.2 – 8.5 per cent.

Subscribe to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa, the Middle East and around the world. SUBSCRIBE HERE