EU clears N$400m Nam beef shipment, bans fresh exports

The European Union (EU) has cleared Namibian beef exports valued at about N$400 million that were certified shortly before the country's foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, while temporarily suspending new imports from Namibia's previously FMD-free zone.The decision provides relief for meat already destined for European markets after agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani recently told parliament that a consignment worth about N$400 million faced uncertainty over whether it would be accepted following the outbreak.In a statement issued on Monday, the EU confirmed that fresh meat consignments certified by Namibian authorities before 23 September may enter the bloc for 90 days from that date, provided they meet EU requirements and are accepted by border control posts in member states.The EU has also suspended new imports of fresh meat from cattle, sheep and goats originating from Namibia's previously FMD-free zone. The restrictions extend to relevant meat from other farmed and wild hoofed animals and certain processed meat products, including biltong and jerky-type products.The EU decision was published in its Official Journal on 5 October, with 23 September established as the cut-off date for affected commodities.Processed meat subjected to the most stringent treatment prescribed under EU animal-health rules to mitigate FMD risks remains eligible for entry.Outbreak topples trade statusThe EU said its decision followed confirmation of an FMD outbreak on a commercial farm in the Karasburg State Veterinary District in ǁKharas on 23 September.Namibia subsequently notified the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), while authorities imposed livestock movement controls and restrictions on exports of cloven-hoofed animals and their products.WOAH suspended Namibia's recognised FMD-free status for the affected free zone with effect from 22 September.EU ambassador to Namibia Ana Beatriz Martins said the measures were aimed at protecting animal health while Namibia worked to contain the outbreak.“Namibia has responded with speed and transparency, and we commend its veterinary services for their professional response," she said."The EU and Namibia have a long-standing partnership, including in trade and agriculture. We stand ready to continue working with the Namibian government and its veterinary authorities as they work to contain the outbreak and protect farmers’ livelihoods."She said the EU is also assessing "how it can further support Namibia in this difficult task".The union described the restrictions as precautionary animal-health measures consistent with international requirements and said they would be reviewed as Namibia's animal-health situation develops.The EU stressed that the temporary restrictions do not affect Namibia's preferential trade access under the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement. Instead, the suspension concerns animal-health requirements that must be met before the affected meat products can enter the European market.

EU clears N$400m Nam beef shipment, bans fresh exports

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-06

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EU clears N$400m Nam beef shipment, bans fresh exports

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-06

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