News
18.12.2009
Brazil Submits EU Trade Concern To WTO
The Brazilian Beef Exporters Association (ABIEC) is to submit a trade specific concern request to the World Trade Organization to assess the European Commission’s (EU’s) denial to simplify the Brazilian Cattle Traceability System (SISBOV) farm certification system.
According to ABIEC, EU’s treatment of Brazilian meat exports is unfair and discriminatory, as Brazil is the only country which is requested to have an approved farm list for this market (Beefpoint).
The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) recently submitted a call to the EU to introduce modifications to the current system, which would make it more flexible and affordable for cattle producers. According to MAPA, the submission did not involve changing the current EU’s requirements.
MAPA’s request involved farm audit approval being made automatic once performed by accredited professionals, and a sample checked by MAPA auditors, in contrast to the current 100 per cent certification by MAPA auditors, according to Meat and Livestock Australia specialists.
SISBOV’s operational system will also be improved, involving the elimination of certain documents and the development of a National Database Bank by the National Agriculture Commission (CNA). CNA will operate the new database system while MAPA is to oversee the system and provide the required information for the implementation of the new system. In addition, the current Animal Transit Guide will be replaced by an electronic certificate.
These changes are focused on eliminating duplicity of records, and will allow producers to manage the property’s document flows, which is currently restricted to private certifying companies.
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