Hilton quota seal issue resolved

The suspension of imports of Argentine and Uruguayan beef under the Hilton quota has been lifted, and after a couple of days of concern, trade under this quota has returned to normal.

The expectation that the issue would be resolved “promptly” proved correct.

The problem was linked to the certificates, which have been issued in the same format for many years. In recent days, however, one of the authorities responsible for approving entry — based at the Port of Hamburg — had blocked shipments by refusing to stamp them as Hilton. This did not affect Brazilian shipments, as their certificates specify that the product is beef, not buffalo meat, but that distinction was missing from Argentine and Uruguayan certificates.