Key data
| Regulation | Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1015 of 29 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Official reference | OJ:L_202601015 — C(2026) 2967 |
| Publication | 4 May 2026 |
| Entry into force | 29 April 2026 |
| Affected country | Romania (areas with Capripox outbreaks) |
| Affected parties | Sheep and goat farmers, exporters and importers in Romania and EU trading partners |
| Category | Agriculture and Fisheries — Animal health |
| Nature | Provisional — subject to review according to epidemiological evolution |
Operators trading in sheep and goats from Romania must immediately review their supply chains. The Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1015, adopted on 29 April 2026, imposes urgent restrictions following the detection of sheep and goat pox (Capripox) outbreaks in Romanian territory. It affects the entire value chain: from the farmer to the European importer receiving animals or derived products.
These measures are not a warning: they are in force from their adoption and non-compliance has direct consequences on market access.
What does this regulation establish?
Decision 2026/1015 is an emergency measure adopted by the European Commission in response to active outbreaks of sheep and goat pox (Capripox) detected in Romania. Its objective is to contain the disease and prevent its spread to the rest of the EU through animal and product trade.
The specific measures it establishes are as follows:
| Measure | Detail |
|---|---|
| Restriction on animal movement | Prohibition or control of the movement of susceptible sheep and goats from affected areas of Romania |
| Restriction on product trade | Limitations on the trade of animal products derived from sheep and goats from restricted areas |
| Restriction on genetic material | Control of the trade of genetic material (semen, ova, embryos) of affected species originating from restricted areas |
| Protection and surveillance zones | Romania must delimit and manage protection and surveillance zones around Capripox outbreaks |
| Reinforced controls | Romania must apply reinforced health controls in affected areas |
| Periodic notification | Romania must periodically inform the European Commission about epidemiological developments |
The measures are provisional in nature and will be reviewed based on how the epidemiological situation evolves in Romania. There is no fixed expiration date established in the available data.
Economic and operational impact
The impact is concentrated on the Romanian sheep and goat value chain and extends to all European operators maintaining commercial relationships with suppliers in affected areas.
The most direct operational effects are:
- Export blockade from restricted areas of Romania: any shipment of animals, products or genetic material that does not comply with restrictions may be rejected at the border or at destination.
- Trade sanctions in case of non-compliance with the measures established by Decision 2026/1015.
- Supply interruption for European importers dependent on Romanian suppliers located in affected areas.
- Additional control and certification costs for operators wishing to demonstrate that their animals or products come from non-restricted areas.
- Contract and logistics review for companies with supply chains that include Romania as a source of sheep or goats.
The uncertainty about the duration of the measures—being provisional and subject to epidemiological review—adds planning risk for operators who cannot easily substitute their Romanian suppliers in the short term.
Who is affected?
- Romanian sheep and goat farmers located in affected areas or in delimited protection and surveillance zones.
- Romanian exporters of live animals, animal products (meat, milk, cheese, wool, hides) and genetic material of sheep and goats.
- European importers receiving animals, products or genetic material of sheep and goats from Romania.
- Distribution chain operators (transporters, customs agents, intermediaries) managing shipments originating from restricted areas of Romania.
- Veterinary and control authorities of Member States receiving shipments from Romania and having to verify compliance with restrictions.
- Animal genetic material companies (insemination centers, germplasm banks) operating with sheep or goat breeds of Romanian origin.
Practical example
A Spanish importer who regularly receives live lambs or sheep carcasses from a farm located in an area of Romania now declared as a protection or surveillance zone faces the following situation:
- Its usual shipments are subject to the movement restrictions established by Decision 2026/1015 as of 29 April 2026.
- For shipments to continue, the Romanian supplier must prove that the animals or products come from a non-restricted area or comply with the health requirements demanded by Romanian authorities under the reinforced controls regime.
- If the shipment is made without meeting these conditions, the importer risks having the goods blocked at the border and facing trade sanctions for non-compliance.
- The immediate recommendation is to contact the Romanian supplier to verify whether their farm falls within or outside the restricted areas and to request updated health documentation before processing any new orders.
What should companies do now?
- Identify if their Romanian suppliers are in restricted areas. Contact suppliers directly and request confirmation from Romanian veterinary authorities on whether their location falls within the protection or surveillance zones delimited under Decision 2026/1015.
- Review orders in progress and supply contracts. Assess whether scheduled shipments from Romania include animals, animal products or genetic material of sheep or goats that may be subject to restrictions.
- Require updated health documentation. For any shipment that continues, request health certificates proving compliance with the reinforced controls required by Romanian authorities.
- Evaluate alternative supply sources. If the usual supplier is in a restricted area and cannot guarantee compliance, identify alternative suppliers in non-affected areas of Romania or other Member States.
- Monitor epidemiological developments. The measures are provisional and will be reviewed according to the situation in Romania. Follow updates from the European Commission and national veterinary authorities to learn when restrictions are lifted or modified.
- Consult with the official veterinary service or a specialized advisor if there are doubts about which specific products are affected or how to prove compliance to control authorities.
Frequently asked questions
What animals and products are restricted by sheep pox in Romania?
Decision 2026/1015 restricts the movement and trade of susceptible animals (sheep and goats), animal products derived from these species and genetic material from affected areas of Romania.
How long will these restrictions last?
The measures are provisional and will be reviewed according to the epidemiological situation in Romania. There is no fixed end date. The European Commission will update the restrictions as the situation evolves.
Can I import sheep or goats from Romania if I have the right health certificates?
It depends on whether your supplier is located in a restricted area. If they are in a non-restricted area or can demonstrate compliance with reinforced controls, imports may be possible with proper health documentation. If they are in a restricted area, movement is prohibited or severely limited.
What happens if I send a shipment that does not comply with the restrictions?
The shipment can be blocked at the border or at destination, and you may face trade sanctions and penalties for non-compliance with EU animal health regulations.
Where can I find the list of restricted areas in Romania?
The Romanian veterinary authorities and the European Commission maintain updated information on affected areas. You should contact the Romanian State Veterinary Authority (ANSVSA) or consult the official EU legislation database (EUR-Lex) for the most current information.
Official source
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1015 of 29 April 2026 on emergency measures against sheep and goat pox detected in Romania. Published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 4 May 2026.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the regulatory requirements and is not legal advice. The interpretation and application of regulations may vary depending on specific circumstances. Companies should consult with specialized legal and veterinary advisors to ensure full compliance with applicable regulations. The information is current as of the publication date and may be subject to updates or modifications by the competent authorities. CambiosLegales is not responsible for any damages or losses arising from the use of this information.