The suspension on imports of animal products from Brazil into the 27 member countries of the European Union (EU) took effect Thursday (Sep. 3). The measure applies to beef, pork, and chicken, as well as honey, fish, and eggs, and could affect up to USD 2 billion per year in Brazilian exports.
However, the decision is not necessarily permanent. Brazil is working to demonstrate that it does meet European requirements. In addition, an EU audit is evaluating the country’s chicken and honey supply chains.
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The restriction stems from the bloc’s view that Brazil’s mechanisms for controlling the use of antimicrobials in animal production are insufficient. The European Union has not identified any cases of contamination or health violations in Brazilian shipments.
The measure primarily affects the beef and chicken sectors, which account for a significant share of Brazilian exports to the European market.
Ban
The European Union has its own rules governing the use of antimicrobials in animal husbandry.
These medications can be used to treat infections, but the bloc prohibits their use to promote animal growth. It also does not allow antimicrobials intended for the treatment of infections in humans to be used in animals.
Europe claims that Brazil’s system for controlling these substances does not provide sufficient guarantees to verify compliance with the rules.
The Brazilian government, in turn, disputes this view and asserts that national legislation already restricts the use of antimicrobials as growth promoters, in line with international standards.
A sanitary problem?
The issue is not regarded as a sanitary problem. This is one of the main concerns raised by the decision.
The European ban was not announced due to the identification of contamination or a specific sanitary problem in Brazilian meat. The matter relates to the control and traceability mechanisms for the use of antimicrobials.
Therefore, the measure does not mean that Brazilian meat has been deemed unfit for consumption.
Brazil exports animal products to dozens of nations and remains authorized to sell to other markets that continue to approve Brazilian products.
Impact
The estimated potential impact amounts to USD 2 billion per year, taking into account the affected products.
Beef alone accounted for some USD 1.7 billion in Brazilian exports to the EU in 2025, as per the data in the report.
Even though the European market represents a limited share of Brazil’s total beef exports, it is considered strategic because it purchases higher-value-added cuts.
The problem for the sector is not simply finding another buyer. Different markets typically demand specific cuts, which makes it difficult to immediately replace sales destined for Europe.
Reaction
The Brazilian government has been negotiating with the European Union since the measure was announced. Among the steps taken are:
- a ban on certain antimicrobials;
- the creation of additional control regulations;
- a proposal for a transition period, which was rejected by the EU;
- the development of a traceability protocol; and
- verification of control over the use of antimicrobials during production.
According to the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries (ABIEC), all member companies authorized to export to the European Union have adopted the private protocol developed by the sector. It stipulates that animals must be tracked from birth through slaughter, enabling proof that certain antimicrobials were not used during their lifetime. The suspension may be lifted, but there is no set date for the resumption of exports.
Audits
EU officials will conclude an audit in Brazil this Friday on the chicken and honey production chains. The results will be reviewed by European authorities. This may take two months.
If the EU determines that the requirements have been met, Brazil may be reinstated on the list of countries authorized to export.
As for honey, Brazilian exports to the EU doubled in the first half of 2026, reaching USD 6.3 million, the Brazilian Association of Honey Exporters (Abemel) reported.
The growth was partly due to additional tariffs imposed by the US, which have made that market more expensive for Brazilian exporters, prompting companies to redirect sales to Europe.
One of the risks assessed by the industry is cross-contamination. This can occur, for instance, when beehives are located near livestock farming areas where certain products are used.
For beef, the resumption of operations may take longer, as the new system requires tracking throughout the animal’s entire life cycle. A head of cattle that begins to follow the new rules today may take 24 to 36 months to reach slaughter.
Therefore, even if the EU lifts the ban, it may take years for the beef supply chain to adapt to the new requirements.
In the case of chicken, the production cycle is much shorter – some 45 days from hatching to slaughter.
Outlook
The poultry sector expects that sales to the European Union may resume as early as 2026, depending on the outcome of the audit.
If the ban remains in place, the production that would have been destined for European markets could be redirected to the Brazilian market, countries in the Middle East, and other international markets.
Brazil exports chicken meat to about 150 countries, which provides alternatives for part of its production.
Partner countries
The ban does not automatically apply to all of Brazil’s trading partners.
Brazil’s Mercosur partners – Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, for instance – remain authorized to export animal products to the European Union.
The decision also comes amid trade discussions between the EU and Mercosur. As a result, representatives of the Brazilian agribusiness sector describe the measure as protectionist, while European officials maintain that it is simply a matter of complying with regulatory requirements.
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