Renthia Kaimbi
The European Union has temporarily suspended the entry of fresh beef, sheep and goat meat, as well as certain other animal products from Namibia’s previously Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)-free zone following the outbreak confirmed on 23 September 2026 in the //Kharas Region.
The EU said the measure is a precautionary animal-health response and follows Namibia’s notification of the outbreak to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the introduction of measures to control animal movements and exports.
The restrictions also cover certain processed meat products such as biltong. However, processed meat that has undergone the prescribed EU risk-mitigation treatment remains eligible for entry.
The EU said consignments of fresh meat certified by Namibia before 23 September should be permitted to enter the EU within 90 days from that date, subject to EU border-control decisions.
EU Ambassador to Namibia Ana Beatriz Martins said the EU commends Namibia’s response and remains ready to work with the government and veterinary authorities to contain the outbreak and protect farmers’ livelihoods.
The EU stressed that the restrictions do not affect Namibia’s preferential trade access under the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement, but relate specifically to animal-health requirements for the affected products.
Photo: EU-Namibia
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