From September 3 onward, only products certified as free of antimicrobial use will be eligible for export to the European Union. While Brazil has approved a voluntary certification protocol, traceability remains the industry's main challenge.
Brazil faces a firm deadline to resolve a sanitary dispute with the European Union that could affect exports of beef, poultry, eggs, honey, and other animal products. Starting September 3, the EU will only accept products that comply with its antimicrobial-use requirements, according to a circular issued this week by Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa).
In response, Brazil’s Secretariat of Agricultural Defense formally approved the Private Export Protocol for Antimicrobial-Free Cattle, developed by the Brazilian Association of Certification, Audit and Traceability Companies (Abcar), according to Pecuaria.
The voluntary system, developed jointly with processors and producers, was introduced in 2024 to support official certification of cattle and buffaloes raised without the use of antimicrobials.
Industry representatives believe the protocol’s approval could strengthen Brazil’s position in negotiations with the EU. However, the key challenge remains proving the country’s ability to monitor and enforce compliance. The main sticking point is traceability. The EU requires guarantees that animals destined for export have never received antimicrobials during their lifetime, while Brazil follows a policy of responsible use rather than a complete ban. In addition, the country is not expected to complete a nationwide individual animal traceability system until 2032.
Carlos Goulart, Brazil’s Secretary of Agricultural Defense, said the country has already submitted all information requested by the EU regarding antimicrobial use across its animal protein sectors. According to Goulart, Brazil is capable of meeting European sanitary requirements, but discussions continue over the format of the information and verification procedures. Brazil had proposed a transition period with gradual accreditation, but the proposal was rejected by the EU.
