Brussels audit clears path for Brazilian chicken exports to resume

European Commission auditors have concluded that Brazil’s controls on the use of certain antimicrobials meet EU requirements for poultry meat and honey – a crucial step towards resuming exports that had been suspended since September.

In an audit conducted from 24 August to 4 September and published on Monday, the Commission found that Brazil’s procedures, inspector training and official controls could provide the guarantees required under EU law.

Brazil had been removed from an EU list of countries authorised to export certain animal products under rules restricting the use of antimicrobials. The move halted affected exports from 3 September and prompted strong reaction from Brazilian authorities, who hinted at possible retaliation if trade was not restored promptly.

The auditors found that the system gave Brazilian authorities a solid basis for certifying that poultry meat and honey exported to the EU comply with the restrictions.

Poultry exports were expected to resume sooner than beef exports because chickens have shorter lifespans, making compliance easier to establish.

According to Datamar, a leading provider of foreign trade data for South America’s East Coast, Brazilian chicken meat exports to the European Union reached 9,663 TEUs in the first seven months of the year. See more details below:

Chicken Meat Exports to the EU | Jan-Jul | 2022-2026 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

However, beef exports are expected to remain suspended for about two years because of the time between a cow’s birth and slaughter, Eric Thévenard, the European Commission official in charge of audits, told the European Parliament on Monday.

EU member states must still vote to restore Brazil’s authorisation for poultry imports. The relevant committee is due to meet on 20–21 October and 16–17 November.

Source: Euractiv

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