Brussels, May 12, 2026 (Lusa) – The European Union (EU) removed Brazil on Tuesday from the list of third countries authorised to export food-producing animals and animal products due to non-compliance with antimicrobial usage rules.

The updated list excludes Brazil, which in 2024 was authorised to export animals and meat, among other products, to the EU.

"The Commission confirms that Brazil is not included in the list, which means that it will no longer be able to export goods to the EU (both live animals for food production and derived products), such as cattle, horses, poultry, eggs, aquaculture, and honey, effective from 03 September," European Commission health spokesperson Eva Hrncirova told Lusa.

To rejoin the list of authorised third countries, "Brazil must ensure compliance with Union requirements regarding the use of antimicrobials throughout the entire life cycle of the animals from which the exported products originate," she said.

"Once compliance is demonstrated, the EU may authorise or resume exports," she said, adding that the Commission has collaborated closely with Brazilian authorities on this issue.

The bloc prohibits the use of antimicrobials to promote growth or increase yield in livestock, as well as the use of antibiotics and other medicines reserved for human infections in animals.

The revised list adopted on Tuesday includes 21 new countries, while five others gained authorisation to export additional goods to the EU, she said, in addition to excluding Brazil.

The remaining Mercosur countries (Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay), which signed a trade agreement with the EU, remain on the authorised list.

EU rules form part of the "One Health" agenda to combat antimicrobial resistance and have applied to EU producers since 2022.

The roll is regularly updated to include compliant countries or remove any non-compliant nations or goods.

IG/RYOL // ADB.

Lusa