Namibia: Partial Lifting of Poultry Import Ban from Brazil – Restrictions Now Limited to Rio Grande do Sul

(3 Minutes Read)

The Namibian Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has announced a partial easing of its previous ban on the import and in-transit movement of live poultry, poultry meat, and poultry products originating from Brazil. This revision comes after a comprehensive risk assessment report submitted by Brazil’s veterinary authority was thoroughly reviewed and evaluated by Namibia’s Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS).

According to the ministry, the updated directive narrows the ban to a specific region—only the State of Rio Grande do Sul remains under restriction. The broader import prohibition was initially enacted in response to outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in various parts of Brazil, particularly affecting Rio Grande do Sul.

Despite the ongoing restriction on that state, the ministry has made an exception for certain poultry products. Poultry meat that is fresh, frozen, or chilled and was packaged on or before 13 April 2025 from Rio Grande do Sul will still be permitted for import into Namibia.

To comply with the new regulations, importers who wish to bring in poultry meat from Brazil are required to apply for fresh import permits through Namibia’s veterinary import office. The DVS emphasised that it will maintain ongoing surveillance of the avian influenza situation in Brazil and will promptly inform importers of any updates or further changes to the import conditions.

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In the meantime, poultry meat and products from other Brazilian states that are currently free of HPAI remain unaffected by the ban. These products may continue to be imported into Namibia without interruption, as long as they meet existing import requirements.