The European Commission has welcomed the vote by member states on an updated list of third countries (i.e., countries outside the EU) authorised to export food-producing animals and animal products to the EU.

The countries on the list have proven their compliance with the EU restrictions on antimicrobial use in food-producing animals.

It includes over 90 countries, including the Mercosur countries of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, but not Brazil.

The commission has provided an assessment of their compliance and guarantees as a basis for the list.

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 therefore 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, meaning that imports from Brazil may not be accepted from that date.

Antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is considered one of the biggest public health threats of our time.

By ensuring prudent use of antimicrobials in animals, the EU said it is safeguarding the health of EU citizens.

AMR is the ability of micro-organisms to survive or grow in the presence of an antimicrobial agent that normally inhibits or kills that micro-organism.

In July 2022, the commission and member states identified AMR as one of the top three priority health threats, requiring coordinated action at the EU level to strengthen preparedness and response.

Data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) show significantly increasing trends in the number of infections and attributable deaths for almost all bacterium–antibiotic resistance combinations, especially in healthcare settings.

It is estimated that around 70% of cases of infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria were healthcare-associated infections.

Between 2025-2050, 39 million deaths are projected to be directly attributable to bacterial AMR.