UK DEFRA

EPR Packaging Payment Calculations 2026 to 2027

DEFRA and PackUK published guidance on the methodology and procedure for calculating extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging payments to local authorities for 2026 to 2027 (year 2). The guidance covers England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales separately. Worked examples of calculations based on the local authority costs and performance model are also available.

New EU Rules for Pet Travel for GB Residents Take Effect

The EU has implemented new rules for non-commercial pet travel affecting GB residents bringing dogs, cats, or ferrets into the EU from 22 April 2026. GB residents can no longer use EU pet passports for EU entry and must obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) instead. AHCs are valid for up to six months for onward EU travel and GB re-entry but remain single-use per trip. A new five-pet limit applies per private vehicle, and pets must travel within five days of the owner if the owner is not accompanying them.

Precision Bred Soy Bean Plant Release in England

DEFRA published a notice of intention to release a precision bred soy bean plant in England under schedule 1 of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Regulations 2025. The release is scheduled to occur on or after 6 May 2026. This notice applies to parties engaged in precision breeding research and agricultural development in England.

EIAV Risk Assessment for Great Britain from EU and EFTA States

DEFRA published a qualitative risk assessment evaluating the likelihood of equine infectious anaemia virus (EIAV) introduction into Great Britain from EU and EFTA member states. The assessment also considers the subsequent likelihood of exposure for domestic equids (horses and donkeys) in Great Britain and the potential consequences of an outbreak. This document applies to England, Scotland and Wales.

Four New Forestry Commission Commissioners Appointed by Royal Warrant

By Royal Warrant, His Majesty King Charles III has appointed four new Commissioners to the Forestry Commission. Rebecca Heaton and Mike Kapur were appointed for four-year terms while Pamela Abbott and John Varley were appointed for three-year terms. All four appointments commenced on 1 April 2026 and were made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

333 Cases of Bluetongue Reported in Great Britain During 2025-2026 Season

DEFRA and APHA report 333 total bluetongue cases in Great Britain during the 2025-2026 season (since 1 July 2025), comprising 310 cases in England and 23 cases in Wales, with no cases in Scotland. Cases include multiple serotypes: BTV-3 (dominant), BTV-8, and co-infections. Latest confirmed cases involve calves born with neurological signs including blindness, star gazing, and convulsions.

Biodiversity Net Gain Minor Medium Brownfield Development Outcome

DEFRA has published the outcome of its consultation on improving Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) implementation for minor, medium and brownfield development. The consultation received 25,024 responses including campaign submissions from Wildlife Trust and RSPB. The government will introduce secondary legislation in 2026 to implement the proposed changes while the current BNG requirement remains in force. Developers should continue following existing BNG guidance and legislation.

Biodiversity Net Gain for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects - Consultation Outcome

DEFRA has published the outcome of its consultation on implementing biodiversity net gain (BNG) for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs), receiving 10,403 responses including 10,143 from an RSPB campaign. The government confirmed it will implement a mandatory BNG framework for NSIPs from November 2026, requiring major infrastructure developments to leave biodiversity in a measurably better state than before development.

Biodiversity Net Gain Exemption for Brownfield Residential Development

DEFRA is consulting on a potential exemption from biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirements for certain residential developments on brownfield land in England. The consultation seeks views on whether an exemption should be introduced, what size thresholds should apply, and how brownfield residential development should be defined. The consultation closes at 11:59pm on 10 June 2026.

HPAI Outbreak Assessment, Great Britain and Europe, April 2026

DEFRA and the Animal and Plant Health Agency published an updated High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak assessment covering Great Britain and Europe as of April 10, 2026. The assessment includes risk evaluations for bird fairs, shows, markets, sales, and other gatherings, as well as updated data on H5Nx detections in dairy cattle. Multiple risk assessment documents are available covering the period from February through April 2026.