Background

In 2019, the EU introduced new veterinary medicine products legislation (Regulation (EU) 2019/6). In addition to ensuring the availability of safe and effective veterinary medicines across the EU, it also aims to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by restricting inappropriate use of antimicrobials. The provisions on AMR also apply to imports from third countries. 

This was later supplemented by Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/905. This imposes restrictions on the use of antimicrobials in live animals and animal products exported to the EU. It bans the use of antimicrobials as growth promoters or to increase yield, and the use of certain antimicrobials reserved for human treatments. 

This legislation means that from 3 September 2026, countries exporting Products of Animal Origin (POAO) must be compliant with the EU’s antimicrobial rules. Countries must be included in the official list of authorised exporting countries, and official certificates must have an attestation of compliance signed by competent authorities.

On 12 May 2026, EU Member States voted on an updated list of third countries authorised to export food-producing animals and animal products to the EU. Brazil was not included on this list.

This came only weeks after ratification of the EU-Mercosur trade deal. 

What does this mean?

This means that as of 3 September 2026, Brazil was no longer be authorised to export most POAO to the EU. However, the following limited products are exempt:

• gelatine, collagen, highly refined products, composite products, wild animals, and products from insects, frogs, snails, and reptiles
• animals and food of animal origin in transit not placed on the EU market
• animals or products of animal origin not intended for human consumption or when the
  destination has not been decided at entry into the EU
• samples from food of animal origin for product analysis and quality testing not placed on the market.

Why has the EU taken this action?

Antimicrobial (antibiotic) resistance is viewed as a major threat to global health. Brazil cannot provide sufficient guarantees that animals intended for export have not been produced using antimicrobials for growth promotion, or without antimicrobials reserved for treating serious human infections across the entire lives of animals.

When could the ban be lifted?

For the EU import ban to be lifted, Brazil must provide sufficient assurances that exported animals comply with the EU's antimicrobial requirements throughout their entire lifetime. Once these guarantees are provided and accepted, exports to the EU could resume. However, reinstatement would require a positive vote in the SCoPAFF Committee for each commodity.

The EU conducted an audit of Brazil's new control systems for honey and poultry from 24 August - 4 September. The audit findings are unlikely to be finalised and published until several weeks after its conclusion. If the outcome is favourable, the Commission could propose amending the relevant legislation to re-authorise Brazil for specific commodities. As noted above, this would also be subject to a positive vote in the SCoPAFF Committee.

This means that the ban could be lifted for poultry within a few months. 

By contrast, the ban on Brazilian beef imports is expected to remain in place for considerably longer, potentially for up to two years.