Announced almost a month ago, the European Union has officially banned the import of meat, honey, fish, and offal produced in Brazil. The ban is not related to contamination of Brazilian products, but rather to European regulatory requirements.

The measure will take effect on September 3rd and was motivated by sanitary requirements related to the use of antimicrobials in animal production.

In April of this year, the Brazilian government banned some antimicrobials used to stimulate growth and increase animal productivity. For Europeans, the measure was not enough to ensure that the entire production chain destined for export meets the requirements established by the bloc.

There is a requirement for documentary proof, traceability systems, and certifications capable of demonstrating that the exported animals did not receive, at any stage of their rearing, substances prohibited by European legislation.

According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the EU is the second largest buyer of Brazilian meat, second only to China.

With this measure, Brazil could lose almost 9 billion per year. Despite Brazil's exclusion, the European Commission has indicated that the decision may be reviewed in the future if the requirements are met. 

Source: Comexland, Correio Braziliense and Poder 360