Poultry Meat Imports from Japan to the EU: What Changes in 2026 for Importers

Key data

European importers of poultry meat from Japan face a regulatory change that can directly affect their ongoing operations. The Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2503, adopted by the European Commission on 12 November 2026, updates Annexes XIV and XV of Regulation (EU) 2021/404, which are precisely the lists that determine which countries and regions are authorized to send poultry meat to the European Union.

This type of modification typically responds to changes in the health status of the exporting country: outbreaks of avian flu or other animal diseases, or the lifting of previous restrictions that allow reopening or expanding access to the European market. In the case of Japan, the entries in those annexes are updated, which may mean both the enabling of new regions and the restriction or removal of others that were previously authorized.

What does this regulation establish?

Regulation (EU) 2021/404 is the general framework that regulates which third countries can export live animals and animal products to the EU. Its Annexes XIV and XV contain, respectively, the lists of countries and zones authorized for the export of fresh poultry meat and poultry meat products.

The new Regulation 2026/2503 specifically modifies the entries relating to Japan in both annexes. The specific changes it introduces are:

• Update of the Japanese regions or zones enabled to export fresh poultry meat to the EU (Annex XIV).
• Update of the Japanese regions or zones enabled to export poultry meat products to the EU (Annex XV).
• Possible enabling of new zones previously restricted or, conversely, restriction of zones that were authorized, depending on the current health status.

Note: The exact details of which zones remain enabled or restricted are found in the full text of the regulation published in the Official Journal of the EU. Operators must consult the updated annexes directly to know the complete list.

Economic and operational impact

The impact of this regulation is immediate and operational: any consignment of poultry meat or poultry meat product from Japan arriving at a European customs point must comply with the new requirements from the entry into force of the regulation. The consequences of failing to adapt are direct:

• Consignment retention at the border: Veterinary and customs authorities will apply the new requirements in entry controls. A consignment from a zone that has become restricted will be retained.
• Return of goods: If the consignment does not meet the new requirements, it may be returned to the country of origin, with the associated logistics and economic costs.
• Invalidation of previous health certificates: Certificates issued under the previous regime may not be valid if the zone of origin has changed status. It is necessary to verify and, if necessary, obtain new certificates.
• Review of supplier contracts: If the Japanese supplier operates from a zone that has become restricted, the supply contract may be affected.

Who does it affect?

• European poultry meat importers with suppliers in Japan, both fresh meat and processed meat products.
• Poultry sector operators (processors, distributors, wholesalers) that include Japanese product in their supply chain.
• Customs and veterinary authorities at EU entry points, which must apply the new control criteria.
• Foreign trade advisors and customs agents who manage import documentation for animal products.
• Food service and catering companies that directly import Japanese poultry products for use in hospitality or processing.

Practical example

A Spanish importer who regularly works with a supplier of processed duck meat in prefecture X of Japan has an order in transit when Regulation 2026/2503 enters into force. Upon reviewing the new Annexes XIV and XV, he discovers that that prefecture has been removed from the list of authorized zones as a result of an avian flu outbreak recorded in the area.

The result: the consignment arrives at the port of Valencia and is retained by veterinary authorities at the border inspection point. The importer must manage the return to origin, bearing the costs of storage at the border, return freight and loss of merchandise value. Additionally, he must renegotiate supply with a supplier from a zone that is listed as enabled in the new annexes.

This scenario is avoidable if the importer verifies the status of the zones of origin before formalizing each order, especially following the publication of updates such as Regulation 2026/2503.

What should companies do now?

1. Consult the updated Annexes XIV and XV of Regulation (EU) 2021/404 as they remain after the modification introduced by Regulation 2026/2503, available in the Official Journal of the EU. Identify whether the Japanese regions or establishments you work with remain enabled.
2. Verify the validity of health certificates in force: check that the certificates accompanying consignments in transit or pending shipment correspond to zones that remain authorized after the update.
3. Communicate the change to Japanese suppliers so they can confirm their enabled status and, if necessary, process new certificates with the competent Japanese authorities.
4. Review supply contracts with Japanese suppliers and include clauses that contemplate the possibility of changes in health status and their consequences on delivery obligations.
5. Alert the customs agent or logistics operator to apply the new requirements in import documentation and controls at the border inspection point.
6. Establish a monitoring procedure for future updates to Regulation (EU) 2021/404, as the lists of authorized countries are frequently modified depending on the international health situation.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in 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_202602503