EU to ban imports of Brazilian beef and poultry from September

The European Union will officially impose restrictions on imports of Brazilian beef and poultry starting September 3, 2026. The measure is included in European Commission Implementing Regulation 2026/1189, which amends rules related to the use of certain antimicrobial substances in animal production.

According to the European Commission, Brazil has not provided sufficient assurances that it will comply with the requirements of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/905 by the specified deadline. The regulation concerns restrictions on several antimicrobial substances considered critically important for human health.

The decision is part of the EU’s One Health policy aimed at combating antimicrobial resistance. The restrictions involve substances such as virginiamycin, avoparcin, tylosin, spiramycin, avilamycin, and bacitracin. Although Brazil has already banned some of these compounds, Brussels concluded that the measures taken do not yet meet the level of regulatory equivalence required by the EU.

To regain access to the European market, Brazil will need to demonstrate full compliance with EU requirements throughout the entire production chain. Possible options include tighter regulation of veterinary medicines and stronger traceability systems, both of which would require additional certification, monitoring, and investment.

Brazilian industry associations ABIEC and ABPA criticized the decision, arguing that the country’s meat inspection system already meets the standards of more than 170 international markets. They maintain that the restrictions are not related to sanitary violations or misuse of antimicrobials, but rather to differences in regulatory recognition and oversight systems. The organizations said they will continue working with Brazilian authorities and EU regulators to find a technical solution.

Tags: Brazil, EU, chicken, Beef cattle, imports, restrictions