Brazil Tightens Meat Export Rules to Satisfy EU

Brazil's ministry of agriculture has tightened rules governing meat and meat product exports to comply with European Union requirements on the use of antimicrobials.

The EU had warned it would suspend imports of certain Brazilian products unless the country complied by 3 September with rules banning the use of antimicrobials to promote animal growth or boost production.

Under a ministry circular dated 1 July, facilities authorized to export to the EU will be required to introduce control mechanisms demonstrating compliance with the bloc's regulations.

The measures are intended to ensure the traceability of animals and raw materials while providing evidence that shipments destined for the EU meet the required standards.

In May, Brazil was excluded from the list of countries authorized to export meat to the EU because of concerns over the use of antimicrobials.

The EU is one of the most important markets for Brazilian meat. Poultry exports to the bloc were worth about $800m in 2025, while beef exports exceeded $1bn.

Failure to meet the requirements could also jeopardize Brazil's export access for beef, poultry, eggs, aquaculture products, honey and animal casings.

(Reuters, bak)