Brazil introduces antimicrobial-free cattle certification to preserve EU beef exports

BRAZIL – Brazil has approved a new Certification Protocol for Antimicrobial-Free Cattle as it moves to meet updated European Union import requirements and protect access for its beef exports ahead of new rules that take effect on September 3, 2026.

The protocol, introduced by Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA), is designed to certify that cattle destined for the European market have not been treated with specific antimicrobials at any point during their lives, in line with the EU’s import conditions.

The new requirements stem from Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/905, which is part of the European Union’s One Health strategy to reduce antimicrobial resistance.

The regulation does not address food safety concerns or antibiotic residue findings in Brazilian meat; rather, it focuses on limiting the use of antimicrobials considered critically important for human medicine.

From September 2026, countries exporting meat and other animal products to the European Union will be required to demonstrate compliance with the regulation as a condition for market access.

The European Commission has maintained that exporting countries have had sufficient time to adjust their production and certification systems and has indicated that the implementation timetable will remain unchanged.

Brazil was removed from the list of countries authorised to export several animal products to the European Union after failing to provide the required documentation demonstrating compliance with the new import conditions.

The restrictions primarily affect beef exports but also apply to poultry, eggs, honey, aquaculture products and other foods of animal origin.

Meanwhile, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay have retained approval to continue exporting eligible products to the European market under the existing framework.

Traceability at the centre of compliance

Under the new certification system, participation will be voluntary and based on comprehensive traceability throughout the animal’s production cycle.

Each animal intended for export must be individually identified through Brazil’s SISBOV traceability system, allowing authorities to monitor its history from birth through to slaughter.

Producers will also be required to maintain records covering animal health, feeding practices and veterinary drug use, while accredited certification bodies will conduct regular audits under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture.

The protocol is intended to provide European authorities with documented evidence that exported cattle have never received antimicrobials restricted under EU legislation.

One of the challenges facing the Brazilian livestock sector is the widespread use of ionophores such as monensin, which are commonly used to improve feed efficiency and animal performance but are subject to the EU’s antimicrobial controls.

Industry organisations have also acknowledged that implementation of the certification programme is still in its early stages and that no establishments have yet been certified, creating uncertainty about whether exporters will be able to meet the new requirements before the September deadline.

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