Key data
| Regulation | Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2123 of 17 September 2026 |
|---|---|
| Amends | Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2207 |
| Publication | 22 September 2026 |
| Entry into force | 17 September 2026 |
| Affected parties | Farmers, exporters and importers of sheep and goat and their products in the EU |
| Category | Agriculture and Fisheries — Animal Health |
| Reference | C(2026)6699 |
If your company imports or exports live animals, meat, milk or dairy products from sheep or goat originating in Greece, this decision affects you directly and immediately. Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2123, published on 22 September 2026 in the EU Official Journal, amends Decision 2024/2207 which established the original emergency measures against outbreaks of sheep and goat pox in Greek territory.
The regulation is not new: it updates an existing framework. What is relevant for companies is that the restricted zones, movement conditions and certification requirements have changed, and any operation carried out without verifying the new situation may result in border detentions or rejections.
What does this regulation establish?
Decision 2026/2123 introduces the following modifications to the previous framework (Decision 2024/2207):
| Element | Previous situation (Decision 2024/2207) | Current situation (Decision 2026/2123) |
|---|---|---|
| Restricted zones | Defined in the original Decision 2024/2207 | Adjusted according to the evolution of the outbreak in Greek territory |
| Movement conditions | Requirements established in 2024 | Updated with new conditions applicable to animals and products |
| Health requirements | Certification according to 2024 standards | New health certification requirements for sheep and goat |
| Affected products | Live animals, meat, milk and dairy products from sheep/goat | Same categories, with updated conditions |
The measure has European scope: it not only affects Greece, but any EU operator that has Greek suppliers of these species or their derivatives in their supply chain.
Economic and operational impact
The impact is not theoretical. Movement restrictions and new certification requirements have direct consequences on commercial operations:
- Border detentions: Shipments that do not comply with the new health certificates may be blocked at border controls in any Member State.
- Review of contracts with Greek suppliers: Operators purchasing live animals, meat, milk or dairy products from sheep or goat in Greece must verify that their suppliers operate outside the updated restricted zones or comply with current movement conditions.
- Recertification costs: If health certificates issued before 17 September 2026 do not meet the new requirements, new documentation will be needed before moving the goods.
- Risk of supply chain disruption: Companies that depend on Greek suppliers of these species may suffer interruptions if their suppliers are located in now-restricted zones.
Who does it affect?
- European importers of live sheep and goat animals from Greece.
- Greek exporters of sheep, goat and their products to other EU Member States.
- Commercial operators working with sheep or goat meat of Greek origin.
- Dairy companies that import milk or dairy products (cheeses, yoghurts, etc.) made from sheep or goat milk from Greece.
- Farmers and cooperatives with animals in the updated restricted zones of Greek territory.
- Freight forwarders and logistics operators managing the transport of these goods from Greece.
- Veterinary and animal health advisors certifying movements of these species.
Practical example
A Spanish company importing feta cheese and other dairy products made from sheep milk from Greece has an order scheduled for late September 2026. The Greek supplier is located in a zone that, under the original Decision 2024/2207, was not restricted.
With the update introduced by Decision 2026/2123 (in force since 17 September 2026), that zone may have been included in the new restricted zones or the applicable movement conditions may have changed. If the company does not verify the new geographic delimitation before the shipment leaves Greece, the cargo may be detained at the border control of the destination Member State for not meeting the updated health requirements.
The immediate action is to contact the Greek supplier to confirm their situation regarding the updated restricted zones and request the new health certificates that prove compliance with Decision 2026/2123.
What should companies do now?
- Verify the geographic situation of the Greek supplier: Confirm whether it operates inside or outside the updated restricted zones by Decision 2026/2123. This verification must be done before any goods movement.
- Review current health certificates: Check that certificates issued for pending shipments comply with the new requirements established in the decision. Those issued before 17 September 2026 may not be valid.
- Contact the supplier or Greek official veterinarian: Request documentary confirmation that the animals or products comply with the updated movement conditions.
- Alert the logistics and customs department: Inform transport teams and freight forwarders about the new requirements to avoid border detentions.
- Review supply contracts: If Greek suppliers cannot meet the new conditions, evaluate alternative supply options to avoid supply chain disruptions.
- Consult the full regulation in the EU Official Journal: Access the full text of Decision 2026/2123 to know the exact details of the updated zones and conditions.
Frequently asked questions
When did Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2123 come into force?
Decision 2026/2123 came into force on 17 September 2026, although it was published in the EU Official Journal on 22 September 2026. Any movement of sheep and goat animals or products from the affected Greek zones must comply with the new requirements from that date.
What sheep and goat products are affected by the restrictions in Greece?
The regulation affects live animals of sheep and goat species, as well as their derived products: meat, milk and dairy products (cheeses, yoghurts and similar) from the restricted Greek zones. Operators must verify whether their specific products are subject to the new movement conditions.
What happens if my company imports Greek goods without meeting the new requirements?
Shipments that do not comply with the health and certification requirements updated by Decision 2026/2123 may be detained or rejected at border controls in any EU Member State. This implies storage costs, possible destruction of goods and direct economic loss for the importer.
How do I know if my Greek supplier is in a restricted zone?
You must consult the full text of Decision 2026/2123 published in the EU Official Journal, where the updated restricted zones are detailed. You can also ask your Greek supplier to provide official documentation issued by the Greek veterinary authorities that proves their situation regarding the restriction zones.
Does this regulation only affect Greece or other EU countries as well?
The measure has European scope: although the outbreak is localized in Greece, any EU operator importing or exporting sheep, goat or their derived products from the affected Greek zones must comply with the new conditions. This includes importers from Spain, Italy, France or any other Member State working with Greek suppliers of these species.
Official source
Consult full regulation at 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_202602123
