The European Union is set to ban imports of Brazilian meat and other animal products from 3 September, after member state experts voted to remove Brazil from the bloc’s list of countries approved under EU food safety rules. The decision is linked to the use of antimicrobials to stimulate animal growth and, according to Euronews, the vote by the EU committee was unanimous, making Brazil the first country to be removed from the list of third countries that comply with EU restrictions on antimicrobial use in animals.
The move comes just weeks after the EU-Mercosur trade agreement provisionally entered into force on 1 May. The deal liberalises trade between the EU and Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, but has faced strong opposition from European farmers, who argue that different production standards could create unfair competition. An EU diplomat told Euronews that the bloc’s ability to enforce its rules is essential for trust, fair competition and good relations with trading partners.
European Commission spokesperson Eva Hrncirova confirmed that, from 3 September, Brazil will no longer be able to export commodities including bovine, equine and poultry products, eggs, aquaculture products, honey and casings to the EU. “Trade agreements do not change our rules,” Hrncirova said, adding that both EU farmers and exporters from third countries must comply with the Union’s sanitary and phytosanitary standards.
The European Commission has repeatedly said that EU food safety rules will continue to apply to agricultural imports from Latin America, even after the Mercosur deal enters into force. Brussels has also negotiated safeguards aimed at protecting EU farmers from possible market disruption caused by a surge in imports from Mercosur countries, while quotas have been introduced for sensitive products, including poultry and meat.
Imports from Brazil could resume once the country demonstrates compliance with EU safety rules. Brazil would then be able to benefit from the same tariff relief as the other Mercosur countries.
Source: Euronews
