The European Commission welcomes the vote by Member States on an updated list of third countries authorised to export food-producing animals and animal products to the EU.
The countries on the list have proven their compliance with the EU restrictions on antimicrobial use in food-producing animals. The Commission has provided an assessment of their compliance and guarantees as a basis for the list.
Under EU rules, the use of antimicrobials in livestock for growth or yield purposes is not allowed, nor can animals be treated with antimicrobials reserved for human infections. The list of third countries which comply with EU requirements, and therefore can export food-producing animals to the EU, will be formally adopted in the coming days, and the rules on imports will apply from 3 September 2026.
Antimicrobial resistance is one of the biggest public health threats of our time. By ensuring prudent use of antimicrobials in animals, the EU is safeguarding the health of EU citizens.
Further information on the list of third countries and our work to tackle antimicrobial resistance is available online.
