Commission: Once Brazil demonstrates 'compliance' exports can resume
The European Commission has said Brazil will be able to resume exports to the EU once it shows "compliance" with restrictions on antimicrobial use in food-producing animals.
The commission today (Monday, May 12) confirmed that Brazil will no longer be authorised to export a range of animal products to the EU from September.
This follows a vote by member states on an updated list of third countries authorised to export food-producing animals and animal products to the EU.
A Commission spokesperson told Agriland that: "Brazil is not included in the list, meaning that it can no longer export to the EU commodities - both food producing live animals and derived products - such as bovine, equine, poultry, eggs, aquaculture, honey and casings, with effect as from September 3, 2026".
The spokesperson added: "To be included in the list of third countries authorised to export to the union, Brazil must ensure compliance with the union requirements on the use of antimicrobials for the entire lifetime of the animals that the exported products originate from.
"We have closely engaged with the Brazilian authorities on this issue and will continue contact to work towards their compliance with these requirements.
"Once compliance is demonstrated, the EU will be able to authorise/resume the exports".
Under EU rules, the use of antimicrobials in livestock for growth or yield purposes is not allowed, nor can animals be treated with antimicrobials reserved for human infections.
The list of third countries which comply with EU requirements, and can export food-producing animals to the EU, will be formally adopted in the coming days.
The rules on imports will apply from September 3, 2026.
Brazil
The fact Brazil has not been included on the list of countries that have proven their compliance with EU restrictions on antimicrobial use in food-producing animals comes just days after the EU-Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement came into force.
The trade agreement will allow an additional 99,000t of beef from Mercosur countries to enter the EU at a reduced tariff rate of 7.5%, which will be phased in over six years.
An additional 180,000t of poultry will also be allowed into the EU at a lower tariff.
The interim trade deal covers the trade aspects of the wider EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement.
