Latest news and stories about import regulations in Portugal for expats and residents.
The European Union has suspended imports of meat, poultry, eggs, and honey from Brazil due to unresolved food safety concerns. While the Portuguese government has downplayed the potential economic impact of the ban, the measure takes effect immediately despite requests from Brazil to reverse the decision.
The European Union is set to suspend imports of beef and other animal products from Brazil starting Thursday, September 3. European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare Oliver Varhelyi confirmed the decision, citing unresolved food safety issues that affect products including poultry, eggs, and honey.
New restrictions on the import of Brazilian meat products into Portugal will come into effect this Thursday.
Nelson Garrone, CNN Portugal's correspondent in Brazil, analysed the entry into force of the ban on the import of picanha and other Brazilian meats into the European Union.
At issue is a suspension, which will come into effect on Thursday and will affect several categories of Brazilian animal-origin products intended for human consumption.
In May, the EU removed Brazil from the list of countries authorised to export animal-derived products for human consumption, and the decision comes into effect on 3 September 2026.
The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a bilateral agreement with the European Union to analyse 'difficulties' in the export process of animal products to the bloc, which has decided to impose a veto on Brazil starting September 3rd. According to European authorities, Brazilian meat production is not free from the use of antimicrobials, substances prohibited by the bloc. Brazil is attempting to reverse the situation. During the G7 summit in France, President Lula discussed the issue with the President of the European Council, António Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
The Brazilian government expressed surprise at the European Union's decision to ban the export of meat and animal products from the country starting in September, citing health risks due to the use of antimicrobial substances. The veto was announced shortly after the partial entry into force of the trade agreement between Mercosur and the EU. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock stated that Brazil has a robust sanitary system of internationally recognised quality. However, the EU maintains that Brazil has not sufficiently demonstrated that these substances are no longer used throughout the production chain. Journalist Iara Lemos suggests the veto is linked to dissatisfaction among agricultural sectors in countries like France, Italy, and Ireland, who fear competition from Mercosur products.
The European Parliament approved this Thursday the reduction of tariffs on North American agricultural and industrial products, as provided for in the agreement signed last summer between the President of the European Commission and the President of the United States. At stake are two legislative proposals: one concerning the adjustment of customs duties and the opening...
