# Brittany Ferries welcomes proposed UK–EU deal to ease freight checks

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/brittany-ferries-welcomes-proposed-uk-eu-deal-to-ease-freight-checks/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Helena Pierce
- **Published:** 2026-11-05T15:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-11-04T09:37:35+00:00
- **Section:** Shipping / Passenger & Cruise
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** Agricultural Exports, Border Controls, Brexit, Brittany Ferries, Christophe Mathieu, Cross-Channel Trade, European Union, Ferry Shipping, Freight Transport, Passenger Ferries, Pet Passports, Ro-Ro Shipping, SPS Agreement, UK-EU Trade, United Kingdom

Brittany Ferries has welcomed progress towards a new UK–EU agreement that could reduce post-Brexit border checks and paperwork for food and agricultural products, potentially easing freight movements between Britain and continental Europe.

The ferry operator’s Chief Executive Officer, Christophe Mathieu, responded to reports published on 3 November 2026 that negotiators had agreed a draft sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement. The proposed arrangements would simplify the movement of certain goods between the UK and EU, although the agreement has not yet entered into force.

For freight operators using ferry services between Britain, France and Spain, the changes could reduce administrative requirements associated with the transportation of food and agricultural products, including fresh fish and other time-sensitive cargo.

The draft agreement has been circulated for consideration ahead of the UK–EU summit scheduled for 20 November 2026. Its final approval and implementation remain subject to further procedures.

### Potential reduction in freight paperwork

The proposed SPS arrangements are intended to address trade barriers introduced following the UK’s departure from the EU single market.

According to reports on the draft agreement, the changes could remove requirements for certain export health and phytosanitary certificates, alongside some inspections, administrative fees and other border formalities.

Such measures could be particularly relevant to exporters transporting perishable products, where additional documentation and delays can affect costs and delivery schedules.

Brittany Ferries, which operates maritime passenger and freight connections between the UK, France and Spain, considers the proposed changes an opportunity to improve the movement of goods across borders.

“Finally, we have positive news on cross border transport,” said Christophe Mathieu, Chief Executive Officer of Brittany Ferries.

Mathieu said the proposed agreement could reduce costs for transport operators, improve border efficiency and ease administrative pressures on exporters of fresh fish and agricultural products.

However, the changes have not yet been implemented, and the extent of their practical impact will depend on the final agreement and its application.

### Pet travel changes also welcomed

Alongside the proposed trade arrangements, Brittany Ferries welcomed plans to simplify cross-border travel for passengers accompanied by pets.

The proposed return of multi-use pet passports would replace the need for repeated animal health certification for eligible journeys between Great Britain and the EU.

According to Brittany Ferries, the company transports approximately 100,000 cats and dogs annually, making changes to pet travel requirements relevant to a substantial part of its passenger business.

Mathieu also expressed support for efforts to improve travel and work opportunities for younger people through a separate proposed UK–EU mobility arrangement.

The youth mobility proposals remain under negotiation and should not be treated as an implemented part of the SPS agreement.

### Implementation remains subject to approval

Brittany Ferries was established in 1973, shortly after the UK joined the European Economic Community, initially focusing on freight movements between France and Britain before expanding into passenger and holiday services.

Its operations continue to depend on efficient maritime links between the UK and continental Europe, making border procedures an important consideration for both freight customers and passengers.

The proposed SPS agreement could reduce some of the administrative barriers affecting cross-border transport, but it does not amount to the removal of all customs or border requirements between the UK and EU.

No confirmed implementation date was provided in the Brittany Ferries announcement. Until the agreement is finalised and the relevant measures take effect, existing requirements remain applicable.

The ferry operator’s response highlights the potential benefits for cross-Channel transport, while the precise operational and commercial effects will depend on the final regulatory arrangements.

---
Cite as: "Brittany Ferries welcomes proposed UK–EU deal to ease freight checks", pelavox., 5 November 2026, https://pelavox.com/brittany-ferries-welcomes-proposed-uk-eu-deal-to-ease-freight-checks/