ASF Zones in the EU 2026: what changes for pig farmers and pork operators

Key data

Pig farming operations, slaughterhouses and meat operators located in zones reclassified under the new European African Swine Fever (ASF) legislation must act immediately. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/767, in force since 26 March 2026, amends Annexes I and II of Regulation 2023/594 and changes the map of restricted zones in the European Union. If your facility has been included in a reclassified zone, movements of animals and pig products that you previously carried out without restriction now require new authorisations or may be directly prohibited.

What does this regulation establish?

Regulation 2026/767 is an implementing act that updates the ASF risk zoning in the EU. Specifically, it amends two annexes of the base Regulation 2023/594:

The reclassification of territories into different risk levels has direct consequences on what can be moved, to where and under what requirements. The products and movements subject to restriction in the affected zones are:

• Live animals of the porcine species
• Porcine semen
• Porcine ova
• Porcine embryos
• Pig-derived products

Operations in modified zones must adapt their biosecurity protocols and obtain new authorisations for any transfer of the above items. Intra-community trade and exports to third countries are also subject to the new zoning.

Economic and operational impact

The reclassification of zones is not a minor administrative change. For affected businesses, it entails specific operational and economic consequences:

• Suspension or restriction of movements: Transfers of live animals, semen, ova, embryos and meat products from or to reclassified zones are subject to new authorisations. Until these are obtained, movements may be blocked.
• Cost of biosecurity adaptation: Operations in modified zones must review and update their biosecurity protocols to comply with the requirements of the newly assigned risk level.
• Impact on contracts and supply chains: Meat operators and slaughterhouses that depend on supply from reclassified zones may see their supply chains disrupted until the documentary situation is regularised.
• Intra-community trade and exports: Exports to third countries and trade between Member States may be affected if destinations or commercial routes cross zones with a new risk status.
• Additional document management: Obtaining new authorisations for transfers involves processing time and potential associated administrative and veterinary costs.

Who is affected?

This regulation directly affects operators whose facilities or commercial routes are located in territories reclassified by Regulation 2026/767:

• Pig farmers: Operations located in zones that have changed risk level in Annexes I or II.
• Slaughterhouses: Facilities that receive animals from restricted zones or that send products to those zones.
• Meat operators: Companies processing and marketing pig-derived products in affected zones.
• Animal transporters: Transport companies whose routes pass through or originate/terminate in reclassified zones.
• Exporters: Operators marketing porcine products to third countries, whose authorisations may be affected by the new zoning.

Practical example

A pig farming operation located in a territory that, upon the entry into force of Regulation 2026/767 on 26 March 2026, has been included in Annex II (higher risk level) faces the following situation:

• The movements of live animals it routinely carried out to a slaughterhouse outside the restricted zone are now subject to new express authorisation.
• Shipments of semen, ova or embryos to other operations also require specific authorisation under the new regime.
• Derived meat products may be subject to additional restrictions for intra-community trade or export to third countries.
• The operation must review and update its biosecurity protocols to adapt them to the higher risk level now applicable under Annex II.

If the same operation had moved from Annex II to Annex I (lower risk level), restrictions would be eased, but it would still need to verify which movements and products are now permitted under the new Annex I regime.

What should businesses do now?

1. Verify the new zoning: Consult the updated Annexes I and II of Regulation 2023/594, as amended by Regulation 2026/767, to check whether the facility or commercial routes fall within a restricted zone or have changed risk level.
2. Review biosecurity protocols: If the operation has been placed in a reclassified zone, adapt biosecurity protocols to the requirements of the newly assigned risk level (Annex I or Annex II).
3. Apply for new transfer authorisations: Submit applications to the competent authority for the authorisations required to move live animals, semen, ova, embryos and pig-derived products from or to restricted zones.
4. Review contracts and supply chains: Identify which suppliers, customers or transport routes are affected by the new zoning and assess the impact on existing contractual commitments.
5. Verify export status: If exports to third countries are carried out, check whether the new zoning affects the authorisations or sanitary certificates required for those operations.
6. Coordinate with the official veterinarian: Any movement from restricted zones requires veterinary supervision and documentation. Contact the official veterinarian to ensure compliance from 26 March 2026.

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:32026R0767