Staff Reporter
THE European Union (EU) has temporarily suspended imports of fresh meat from cattle, sheep and goats, as well as relevant farmed and wild ungulates and certain processed meat products from Namibia following the country’s Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak.
This was announced by the Delegation of the EU to Namibia, which confirmed that processed meat that has undergone the most severe risk-mitigating treatment prescribed in EU legislation remains eligible for entry into the EU.
“We are saddened by this outbreak and recognise the serious impact this will have on Namibia animal health status, farmers’ livelihoods and the wider economy,” the delegation added.
The EU Delegation explained that these temporary suspensions are precautionary animal-health measures, consistent with international standards and comparable to measures taken by Namibia and other trading partners following FMD outbreaks.
“The measure was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 5 October 2026, with 23 September 2026, the date on which the first FMD outbreak was confirmed, as the closing date for entry into the EU of the relevant commodities. The consignments of fresh meat of ungulates certified by the Namibian competent authority before the date of the first FMD outbreak (23 September 2026) should be permitted to enter the Union (during the period of 90 days from that date) based on EU legislation and without prejudice to the decisions by the Border Control Posts of the EU Member States,” the EU Delegation explained.
The delegation assured that it will continue to assess the epidemiological situation in close cooperation with Namibia and stands ready to review the measures as animal-health conditions allow.
“The restrictions do not alter Namibia’s preferential trade access under the EU–SADC Economic Partnership Agreement; they concern the animal-health conditions applicable to the affected products,” the delegation added.
Ana Beatriz Martins, EU Ambassador to Namibia, commended Namibia’s swift response to the outbreak.
“Namibia has responded with speed and transparency, and we commend its veterinary services for their professional response. The EU and Namibia have a longstanding 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. We are also assessing how we can further support Namibia in this difficult task,” Martins said.
Photo: Delegation of the European Union to Namibia
