84% public support strengthens case for equivalent egg import standards

Published on : 13 Nov 2025

Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) has called on the Government to ensure that any future phase-out of cages for laying hens is matched by equivalent import standards, warning that both animal welfare outcomes and the competitiveness of UK egg producers could be compromised without such measures. The organisation made the comments during a Parliamentary reception held this week as part of its End the Cage Age campaign.

Around 18% of UK eggs continue to be produced in enriched cages, representing approximately seven million hens. With major retailers committed to sourcing only cage-free eggs by the end of 2025, domestic investment in alternative systems has accelerated. However, CIWF said that, without legislation, about 10% of UK production—around four million hens—is likely to remain in cages beyond that date, primarily serving the food-service, wholesale and smaller retail sectors.

UK egg producers—many of whom have invested substantially in higher-welfare barn, free-range and organic systems—have also expressed frustration at the lack of import controls. Industry figures argue that producers adhering to the British Lion Code of Practice or RSPCA Assured requirements face higher compliance costs, yet the Government has not introduced measures to ensure that imported eggs or egg products meet similar criteria. This, they say, risks undermining the sector’s progress by creating price disparities between higher-welfare UK eggs and lower-welfare imports.

A key concern raised by industry relates to trade exposure and system equivalence. Industry leaders have noted that while UK producers decommission enriched cage systems, some overseas producers have been purchasing the redundant equipment, enabling cage-based production to continue abroad even as it is phased out domestically. The British Egg Producers Association (BFREPA) said this trend risks the UK “exporting” lower-welfare production overseas, while potentially re-importing lower-standard egg products back into the UK market.

Polling commissioned by CIWF found that 84% of consumers support restrictions on egg imports that do not meet UK production standards. The organisation said adopting such measures could help ensure a level playing field as welfare standards evolve.

Enriched cages, which replaced barren battery cages after the 2012 ban, offer increased space, perches and nesting areas. However, CIWF claim that scientific assessments—including those by the European Food Safety Authority—have concluded that several behavioural needs cannot be fully accommodated within these systems. CIWF is therefore urging the Government to outline a transition plan as part of the Animal Welfare Strategy, expected in December 2025, followed by consultation on timelines and financial support.

Consumer research also shows strong public interest in welfare-led production. A 2024 More in Common poll found that 75% of respondents support a ban on cages for laying hens, while 67% said they would accept the estimated six-pence weekly increase to switch from caged to barn eggs. A petition launched by Dame Joanna Lumley earlier this year secured more than 20,000 signatures within its first two days.

Several countries have already progressed with legislative measures. Austria ended the use of enriched cages in 2020, Germany will do so in 2026, and the Czech Republic and Slovenia have bans scheduled later in the decade. France halted the installation of new cages in 2018. At EU level, the European Commission began consulting in September 2025 on proposals to phase out cages across all farmed species.

In Scotland, a 2024 Government consultation included a possible 2030 date for ending enriched cages, though CIWF believes industry movement could support a faster transition across the UK.

To maintain engagement with policymakers, CIWF plans to stage a public installation near Parliament early next year using 700 individual A4 hen portraits, intended to represent the UK’s caged flock. Following the reception, CIWF’s Head of UK, Anthony Field, said the group welcomed interest from MPs and peers and hoped the forthcoming strategy would provide the framework for further consultation and policy development.