RPRA Response to UK–EU SPS Agreement Consultation

The Royal Pigeon Racing Association has responded to the UK Government’s consultation on a new UK–EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, highlighting the urgent need to improve cross border movement for racing pigeons.

Racing pigeon sport depends on being able to transport birds across the Channel for races where they are released and return home. Since Brexit new rules have made this increasingly difficult. Requirements such as Export Health Certificates, delays at checks and limited border entry points have created high costs, disrupted race planning and raised concerns for the future of long distance racing. In some federations cross channel races have already been reduced or cancelled.

We have welcomed the proposed SPS agreement as an important opportunity to resolve these issues. The European Union already recognises racing pigeons as a unique category within its own system, allowing more practical and proportionate movement for sporting purposes within EU countries. However, this approach is not currently applied to UK–EU movements.

On behalf of our members, we have asked the Government to ensure that UK racing pigeons are given similar recognition in the new agreement. Our key requests include creating a specific category for racing pigeons, introducing simpler and more consistent movement rules and reducing unnecessary checks and paperwork. We have also called for recognition of existing pigeon identification systems and for arrangements that reflect the temporary nature of racing, where birds are transported for release and return rather than permanent trade.

We have stressed that these changes can be made while still maintaining strong biosecurity standards. A balanced and practical solution would protect animal health while allowing the sport to continue to thrive.

This agreement is a vital opportunity to secure the future of channel racing, and we will continue to represent members’ interests as discussions progress.

Chris Sutton
CEO, Royal Pigeon Racing Association

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18/11/25: Update on SPS Agreement Negotiations and EU Racing Pigeon Requirements

I would like to update all members on the latest developments regarding the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement and how this affects our racing activities in the EU.

Following recent communications with DEFRA, including written correspondence with the Minister for Animal Welfare and Biosecurity and discussions during stakeholder meetings with UK Government negotiators, I can now relay the following information:

The EU has agreed its negotiation mandate, and formal negotiations between the UK and EU on a new SPS Agreement are expected to begin shortly.

The anticipated timeline for completing and implementing this agreement is early to mid-2027.

What this means for our members: Based on the current timeline, my realistic expectations are that Export Health Certificates (EHCs) and loft registrations will continue to be required for racing from EU countries throughout the 2026 and 2027 racing seasons.

I will continue to engage closely with DEFRA and their negotiation team to ensure members are kept fully informed as discussions progress. Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as we navigate these regulatory requirements.

Chris Sutton
CEO RPRA