Namibia and the EU: new authorized zones for meat imports in 2026

Key data

If you import meat or meat products from ungulates from Namibia, this regulation affects you directly and is already in force. The Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2238, published on 5 October 2026, amends Annexes XIII and XV of Regulation (EU) 2021/404, which is the framework regulation governing which third countries and specific zones are authorized to export meat to the European Union.

The reason for the change is an adjustment in the animal health status of certain Namibian zones. The EU periodically updates these lists based on the animal health situation in exporting countries, and Namibia has registered changes that require a review of which zones maintain authorization and which lose or modify it.

What does this regulation establish?

Regulation (EU) 2021/404 establishes the list of third countries, territories and zones from which the entry of certain animals and animal products into the EU is permitted. Annexes XIII and XV specifically list the authorizations for fresh meat and meat products from ungulates.

The new Regulation (EU) 2026/2238 updates the entries corresponding to Namibia in both annexes, reflecting changes in the animal health status of its zones. This means that:

• Some Namibian zones may have gained authorization to export to the EU.
• Other zones may have lost or restricted their export authorization.
• The health conditions required for consignments from Namibia are updated in accordance with the new zonal criteria.

The exact details of which specific Namibian zones remain authorized or unauthorized are set out in Annexes XIII and XV of Regulation (EU) 2021/404 as amended by this modification. To find out the updated list zone by zone, it is essential to consult the official text of Regulation (EU) 2026/2238 on EUR-Lex.

Economic and operational impact

The main impact is not direct cost, but operational risk and supply chain risk. The specific consequences for importing companies are:

• Rejection of consignments at the border: If a meat consignment comes from a Namibian zone that is no longer authorized, Spanish and European customs and veterinary authorities are obliged to reject it at the point of entry. This involves loss of goods, return or destruction costs, and supply disruption.
• Administrative sanctions: Non-compliance with zoning requirements may result in administrative sanctions for the importing operator.
• Review of supplier contracts: Supply contracts with Namibian exporters must include guarantees that they operate exclusively in authorized zones in accordance with the updated list.
• Verification and documentation costs: Operators will be required to demand updated health certificates from their suppliers that certify the zonal origin of the meat in accordance with the new Annexes XIII and XV.

Who does it affect?

• European importers of meat from Namibia: Companies that bring fresh meat or meat products from ungulates from Namibia to any EU Member State.
• Meat sector operators: Processing industries, wholesale and retail distributors working with meat of Namibian origin.
• Spanish border control authorities: Border Inspection Posts (BIPs) that must apply the new zonal criteria when verifying incoming consignments.
• Customs agents and freight forwarders: Professionals who manage customs clearance of these goods and must be aware of the new authorized zoning.
• Foreign trade advisors and official veterinarians: Who advise importers on applicable health requirements.

Practical example

Imagine a Spanish importing company that has been buying fresh beef (an ungulate) for two years from a Namibian slaughterhouse located in a specific zone of the country. Until now, that zone was listed in Annex XIII of Regulation (EU) 2021/404 as authorized to export to the EU.

With the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2026/2238 on 2 October 2026, that zone has been removed from the authorized list due to changes in the animal health status of the region. If the importing company does not verify this change and continues to process orders from that supplier, the next consignment that arrives at a Border Inspection Post in Spain will be rejected by the veterinary authorities, with the associated costs of return, possible destruction of the goods and opening of a sanctioning file.

The solution is simple but urgent: contact the Namibian supplier, request confirmation of their zone of origin and cross-reference it with the updated Annexes XIII and XV before processing any new orders.

What should companies do now?

1. Verify the zone of origin of each Namibian supplier: Request from the exporters you work with the exact identification of their production zone and cross-reference it with Annexes XIII and XV of Regulation (EU) 2021/404 in the version updated by Regulation (EU) 2026/2238.
2. Consult the official text on EUR-Lex: Access the Regulation (EU) 2026/2238 published in the EU Official Journal to identify exactly which Namibian zones maintain, gain or lose authorization.
3. Halt pending orders in case of doubt: Until confirming that the supplier operates in an authorized zone, do not process new shipments to avoid border rejections and associated costs.
4. Update supply contracts: Include clauses that oblige the Namibian supplier to notify any change in their authorized zone status and to guarantee compliance with EU health requirements.
5. Inform the customs agent and official veterinarian: Ensure that all operators involved in the import chain are aware of the new zoning and apply the updated criteria in health documentation.
6. Establish a regulatory alert system: Since these lists are updated periodically, implement a mechanism to track changes in Regulation (EU) 2021/404 to react quickly to future amendments.

Official source

Consult full regulation on official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202602238