Progress made on Brazil to EU poultry meat trade

Brazilian authorities have announced the resumption of pre-listing for poultry meat exports to the European Union.

The pre-listing model was suspended in 2018 following European audits in Brazil in 2017 and 2018, prompted by results of the Carne Fraca police operation, which highlighted fraud and corruption in beef and poultry processing plants in the country.

A 2023 audit by DG Sante revealed Brazil had made major progress in improving controls on poultry meat sent to Europe.

The resumption decision was communicated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) after a meeting between Brazil and European Union officials. It covers chicken, turkey and duck meat.

Industry support
Ricardo Santin, Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA) president, said the move represents the confidence in and robustness of the country’s health inspection and control system.

“With this measure, Brazil regains the autonomy to designate and authorize exporting establishments that fully comply with European requirements, streamlining processes and increasing predictability in relations with the European Union,” he said.

“The resumption of pre-listing is a significant step forward and a clear sign of the European Union’s confidence in the Brazilian health control system.”

Currently, 30 meatpacking plants are authorized to export chicken meat to Europe. With the return of pre-listing, ABPA expects the number to increase in the coming months, allowing new firms to access the market.

Before suspension of pre-listing, Brazil shipped more than 500,000 tons annually to the EU. In 2024, 231,900 tons were exported. Between January and September 2025, the volume was 137,200 tons. The EU was also one of the largest destinations for Brazilian turkey meat, with 50,000 tons imported annually before restrictions were put in place.

The meeting between Brazil and the EU involved Luis Rua, the secretary of commerce and international relations, and Christophe Hansen, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food.

Other topics covered were the EU audit to evaluate the Brazilian fisheries system, pre-listing for egg and beef establishments, organic products, regionalization of diseases, and electronic certification. The next meeting is planned for early 2026.

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