New EU import requirements for Brazilian animal products from September 2026.
Background
Regulation (EU) 2023/905 prohibits the use of certain antimicrobials in animals, or in products of animal origin (POAO), exported from third countries into the EU.
From 3 September 2026, Article 4 of the Regulation sets out the conditions for importing products into the EU, including that:
- exporting countries must be included on the official list of authorised third countries; and
- consignments must be accompanied by official certificates confirming compliance.
On the 12 May 2026, EU Member States voted on an updated list of third countries authorised to export products into the EU. Brazil was not included on this list as they could not provide appropriate assurance and traceability systems in place to demonstrate compliance.
See below for the latest information received from Defra/APHA, including advice for Great Britain (GB) who are currently not impacted by the imports restrictions from Brazil. We understand impacted products include beef, poultry, eggs, honey and fish.
EU and Northern Ireland
From Thursday 3 September 2026, the European Union will introduce new import requirements for Products of Animal Origin (POAO). Exporting countries must provide guarantees that products exported to the EU are not derived from animals treated with antimicrobials reserved for human medicine or antimicrobials used for growth promotion or yield enhancement.
Exporting countries must also have appropriate assurance and traceability systems in place to demonstrate compliance.
The relevant EU legal basis is Annex XVIa of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/405, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1189. Some existing EU Export Health Certificates may continue to reference Regulation (EU) 2024/2598; these references will be updated by the European Commission as appropriate.
On Tuesday 12 May 2026, the European Commission confirmed that Brazil would not be included on the EU list of authorised countries for relevant POAO exports from Thursday 3 September 2026, as Brazil had not yet demonstrated compliance with the new requirements.
In our engagement with Defra, we understand movements of affected products to Northern Ireland would be prohibited, as Northern Ireland follows the same rules as the EU.
GB approach to imports from Brazil
GB is undertaking its own assessment of Brazil’s antimicrobial assurance arrangements. The assessment will be evidence-based and independent of the EU timetable.
No new GB import restrictions from Thursday 3 September 2026
GB will not introduce new import restrictions on 3 September 2026 as a result of the EU’s decision regarding Brazil’s listing. Imports from Brazil, may continue while GB completes its technical assessment.
We expect the technical assessment to take around six months to complete. Existing import arrangements will remain in place while the assessment is carried out. We will continue to engage with trading partners, industry and other stakeholders.
Source for above information: Border Trade Newsletter – getting it right at the border 30/07/26
Next steps and advice for BRC members:
- Members of the Emerging Risks Working Group have been kept updated on the implications to date and are encouraged to continue attending future working groups for further updates affecting GB, including any developments linked to SPS alignment following the Summit in autumn 2026.
- Members should note the compliance requirements applying from 3 September for exports to the EU and movements to Northern Ireland. Businesses may wish to consider whether temporary alternatives are needed for affected products until Brazil is able to demonstrate compliance and be added to the authorised list. We understand that products shipped before the deadline may still arrive after 3 September.
