Newcastle Outbreaks in Poland: Urgent Restrictions for Poultry Importers

Key data

Spanish importers of Polish poultry products have an immediate obligation: to verify that their supply does not originate from the restriction zones updated by Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/717, published on 25 March 2026 and in force since 20 March. This decision amends the annex of Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/2256, which established the original emergency measures against Newcastle disease outbreaks in Poland.

Newcastle disease seriously affects poultry and has a significant economic impact on the poultry sector. When the European Commission updates restriction zones, it does so because outbreaks have spread or appeared in new locations, making it necessary to immediately review supply chains that depend on Polish origin.

What does this regulation establish?

Decision 2026/717 does not create a new regime: it amends the annex of Decision 2025/2256, which is the base regulation governing Newcastle disease emergency measures in Poland. The specific change consists of the update of the restriction zone map in Polish territory.

The measures in force in those zones include:

• Restrictions on the movement of poultry from the affected zones.
• Restrictions on the movement of poultry products originating from those zones.
• Restrictions on the movement of eggs originating from the restriction zones.
• Reinforced sanitary controls for any product leaving the delimited zones.

The decision is immediately applicable in all Member States, without the need for national transposition. This means that Spanish operators are required to comply with it from 20 March 2026, regardless of any additional communication from Spanish authorities.

Economic and operational impact

The main impact is not a direct penalty, but a potential disruption to the supply chain. Companies importing poultry, poultry meat or eggs from Poland must assume that part of their supply may be blocked if it originates from zones that are now restricted.

The specific operational effects are:

• Delays in receiving goods from affected zones, subject to reinforced sanitary controls at the border or at destination.
• Need for additional documentation certifying the origin of products and their provenance outside the restriction zones.
• Possible search for alternative suppliers if the usual supplier operates in restricted zones.
• Risk of consignment rejection at sanitary controls if origin cannot be verified with adequate documentation.

For the distribution and catering sector working with Polish poultry products, the impact may translate into temporary shortages or price increases if demand is redirected towards other origins.

Who is affected?

• Spanish importers of poultry originating from Poland.
• Importers and distributors of poultry products (processed poultry meat, preparations) of Polish origin.
• Egg importers originating from Poland.
• Companies in the meat sector that use poultry raw materials of Polish origin in their processing operations.
• Wholesale distributors supplying hospitality, catering or retail with products of Polish origin.
• Logistics operators and freight forwarders managing the transport of these products from Poland.

Spanish poultry producers are not directly affected by this decision, unless they import breeding stock, day-old chicks or other live animals from the restricted zones in Poland.

Practical example

A Spanish company importing frozen chicken breast regularly receives three containers per month from a supplier located in a region of Poland. Following the publication of Decision 2026/717, that region is included in the restriction zones updated in the new annex of Decision 2025/2256.

In that scenario, the company must:

1. Verify with its Polish supplier whether its facility is inside or outside the updated restriction zone.
2. Request the sanitary documentation certifying that the product does not originate from the restricted zone or that it has passed the required reinforced sanitary controls.
3. Inform its logistics operator that shipments may be subject to additional controls at the border or at the point of entry into Spain.
4. Assess whether it needs to activate an alternative supplier to guarantee supply during the restriction period.

If the company does not verify the origin and receives a consignment from a restricted zone without adequate documentation, that consignment may be rejected by the sanitary authorities at the entry control, with the resulting cost of return or destruction.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify Polish suppliers on the restriction zone map: Consult the updated annex of Decision 2025/2256 (as amended by Decision 2026/717) to determine whether regular suppliers are in affected zones.
2. Request origin documentation from suppliers: Ask for sanitary certificates and documentation certifying that products originate from non-restricted zones or have passed the required controls.
3. Review in-transit orders: Check whether there are shipments already en route that may be affected by reinforced controls and coordinate with the freight forwarder.
4. Activate alternative suppliers if necessary: If the main supplier operates in a restricted zone, evaluate alternative supply sources to avoid shortages.
5. Inform the quality department and purchasing manager: Ensure that goods receipt controls include verification of Polish origin against the current restriction zones.
6. Stay updated on the evolution of the zones: Emergency decisions on animal disease outbreaks are updated frequently. Monitor the Official Journal of the EU or regulatory alert systems to detect new amendments.

Official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, please consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=CELEX:32026D0717