The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has partially lifted its ban on the import and in-transit movement of live poultry, poultry meat and poultry products from Brazil, with restrictions now limited to the State of Rio Grande do Sul.
The ministry said the decision followed a detailed risk assessment submitted by Brazil’s veterinary authority, which was reviewed by Namibia’s Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS).
“The suspension of importation and transit of live poultry, poultry meat and poultry products will only apply to the State of Rio Grande do Sul,” the ministry said.
The ban was initially imposed due to outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the region.
However, the ministry confirmed that fresh, frozen or chilled poultry meat from Rio Grande do Sul packaged on or before 13 April 2025 will still be allowed into Namibia.
“Importers intending to import poultry meat from Brazil are required to apply for new import permits from the veterinary import office,” the ministry said.
DVS said it would continue monitoring the disease situation and would keep importers informed of any changes.
Poultry meat from other Brazilian states that are free of HPAI remains unaffected by the restrictions and can continue to be imported as normal, the ministry added.
