About us
We scrutinise new free trade agreements (FTAs) once they are signed. We are independent of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and DBT ministers play no part in the TAC’s advice on FTAs. However, we are supported by a small Secretariat, which is based in DBT.
Who we are
The Trade and Agriculture Commission (TAC) is an independent expert committee comprising specialists in:
- UK animal and plant health standards
- UK animal welfare standards
- UK environmental standards as they relate to agricultural products
- International trade law and policy
We have evolved from the original Trade and Agriculture Commission, which was set up in July 2020 as an independent, time-limited body to advise on specific questions to inform the UK’s trade and agriculture policy.
What we do
Our role is to scrutinise new FTAs once they are signed, to inform Parliament’s understanding of whether measures within FTAs are consistent with the maintenance of UK levels of statutory protection in relation to UK animal and plant health, animal welfare, and environmental standards.
The TAC does not inform or comment on negotiations.
Reporting
The TAC’s role was approved by Parliament during passage of the Trade Act 2021 and Agriculture Act 2020.