Import of Animal Products in Brazil: Complete Guide to Legal and Sanitary Requirements

Importing food of animal origin into Brazil requires much more than hiring a customs broker or complying with basic customs procedures. Even before the arrival of the goods in the national territory, the importing company must meet a strict series of legal requirements established by the federal agencies responsible for sanitary, agricultural and customs control.

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in cargo retention, refusal of import, application of severe administrative measures and significant increase in logistics costs. In this technical article, we present the main requirements for companies that wish to import products of animal origin safely and in strict compliance with Brazilian legislation.

1. Fundamental Concepts of Importing Products of Animal Origin

What are animal products for import purposes?

For regulatory purposes, the animal product comprise all goods derived from animal species intended for human or animal consumption. According to the Regulation of Industrial and Sanitary Inspection of Products of Animal Origin (RIISPOA), a federal decree that establishes the general inspection rules, the following fall into this category: meats and their derivatives of all animal species destined for slaughter, fish and their processed, milk and derivatives, eggs and their derivatives, honey and bee products, animal fats, entrails and by-products of animal origin [[11]].

This comprehensive definition means that any merchandise containing ingredients of animal origin in its composition is subject to inspection by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) during the import process, regardless of the degree of processing or commercial purpose.

Difference between commercial import and traveler's luggage

It is essential to carry out a clear disambiguation between two distinct scenarios of product entry into the country. The commercial import refers to operations carried out by legal entities qualified in the foreign trade system, with a profit purpose and significant volumes, subject to the entire regulatory apparatus of MAPA, the Federal Revenue and VIGIAGRO [[6]].

On the other hand, the entry of products through traveler's luggage or small quantity postal consignments follow specific and more restrictive rules, often completely prohibiting the entry of certain products of animal origin to protect public health and the national herd. This distinction is crucial to avoid seizures and penalties.

Main regulatory framework: RIISPOA and MAPA STANDARDS

O RIISPOA (Decree no. 9.013/2017, with subsequent amendments) constitutes the central legal act that governs the industrial and sanitary inspection of all products of animal origin in the national territory, including those imported [[11]]. This regulation establishes the risk assessment criteria, qualification requirements for foreign establishments, health certification standards and reinspection procedures at the border.

In addition, MAPA publishes specific Normative Instructions and Ordinances that detail the animal health requirements for each animal species and type of product, establishing the epidemiological conditions required of exporting countries and the models of international health certificate applicable to each commercial operation.

Related terms an expert would use:

• Animal-based products
• RIISPOA (Regulation of Industrial and Sanitary Inspection)
• Health risk analysis
• INDUSTRIAL AND SANITARY INSPECTION
• Animal health standards

2. Border Inspection Bodies

Role of MAPA and DIPOA in the approval of imports

O MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK is the central government agency responsible for the national agricultural policy and for the sanitary inspection of all products of animal origin. Within the MAP structure, the Department of Inspection of Products of Animal Origin - DIPOA plays a strategic role in coordinating import processes, evaluating the inspection systems of exporting countries, enabling foreign establishments and issuing the necessary prior authorizations for each commercial operation [[4]].

DIPOA is also responsible for keeping the list of countries authorized to export products of animal origin to Brazil up to date, as well as authorized foreign establishments, ensuring that only goods from approved sources enter the national market.

VIGIAGRO's performance at entry points

A International Agricultural SURVEILLANCE (VIGIAGRO) is the MAPA system responsible for agricultural inspection at all entry points in the national territory: ports, airports and land border posts [[24]]. Since August 2021, VIGIAGRO has fully assumed the reinspection of imported animal products, consolidating into a single structure the stages of documentary inspection, physical inspection and sample collection [[19]].

The Federal Agricultural Tax Auditors assigned to VIGIAGRO carry out the verification of international health certificates, verify the conditions of transport and storage of the cargo, physically inspect the products and, when necessary, collect samples for laboratory analysis, ensuring that only compliant goods are released for the domestic market.

Integration with IRS and SISCOMEX

A Brazilian IRS acts in conjunction with the MAP through the Integrated Foreign Trade System (SISCOMEX), an electronic platform that centralizes the registration and monitoring of all import and export operations [[2]]. In this integrated environment, the consenting bodies (MAPA, ANVISA, IBAMA, among others) electronically express their agreement or opposition to the release of the cargo, creating a coordinated workflow that aims to expedite customs clearance without compromising the effectiveness of sanitary controls.

Recently, the Federal Government has expanded the integration between electronic systems through SISCOMEX Single Portal, with digitization of documents, electronic risk management and coordinated action of the consenting bodies, making operations more agile, but requiring greater precision in filling out information and document compliance [[23]].

Related terms an expert would use:

• DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTION OF PRODUCTS OF PLANT ORIGIN
• VIGIAGRO (International Agricultural Surveillance)
• SISCOMEX (Integrated Foreign Trade System)
• Single Foreign Trade Portal
• Consenting bodies

3. Prior Requirements to Import Legally

Qualification of the importing company in Radar/Siscomex

The first mandatory requirement for any company wishing to operate in Brazilian foreign trade is the qualification in the Radar (Registration and Tracking of the Performance of Customs Interveners), a system administered by the Federal Revenue Service that accredits legal entities to carry out import and export operations [[45]]. This qualification is carried out in accordance with the current rules of the Single Foreign Trade Portal and allows the company to register operations in SISCOMEX.

Without this prior authorization, the import operation simply cannot be started, resulting in absolute impediment to customs clearance. The company must have regular registration in the National Register of Legal Entities (CNPJ) with economic activity compatible with the trade of products of animal origin.

Registration of the importing establishment in MAPA

For several products of animal origin, in addition to customs clearance, the company must meet the specific requirements established by MAPA [[4]]. Depending on the activity developed and the type of product imported, it may be necessary to:

• Registration of the importing establishment with the Federal Inspection Service (SIF);
• Specific registration with DIPOA for import operations;
• Compliance with the structural and hygienic-operational requirements required for warehouses and warehouses;
• Authorization for certain specific operations, such as importing products subject to special controls.

Storage and warehousing establishments must have a control number or registration with the competent inspection service and must be indicated by the Official Service of the exporting country on the health certificates, ensuring that the goods will be received in adequate and inspected facilities.

Evaluation of the inspection system of the exporting country

Before authorizing the import of products of animal origin from a given country, MAPA performs a evaluation of the sanitary inspection system of the competent authority of the exporting country [[1]]. This complex process involves on-site audits, analysis of technical documentation, verification of the regulatory structure and assessment of the capacity of the official service to ensure the sanitary compliance of products destined for the Brazilian market.

Only countries whose inspection system has been evaluated and recognized as equivalent or compatible with Brazilian standards may export products of animal origin to Brazil. This assessment considers not only the legislation in force in the exporting country, but also the practical effectiveness of the controls performed by the official inspection services.

Related terms an expert would use:

• Radar/SISCOMEX (customs clearance)
• Registration with SIF (Federal Inspection Service)
• Evaluation of inspection systems
• Health equivalence
• Entrepostos registrados

4. Qualification of Foreign Establishments

Criteria for countries to be allowed to export to Brazil

The authorization for a country to export products of animal origin to Brazil is neither automatic nor universal. The MAP ESTABLISHES specific animal health requirements for each animal species and type of product, considering the epidemiological situation of the exporting country in relation to diseases that may pose a risk to animal or human health [[33]].

These requirements are established based on scientific risk analyses, bilaterally negotiated international agreements and MAPA technical standards. Some products can only enter Brazil when the exporting country is officially authorized, the foreign establishment is qualified to export to Brazil, there are valid international health certificates and Brazilian animal health requirements are fully met.

Process of qualification of slaughterhouses and foreign industries

For many products of animal origin, it is not enough that the country is authorized to export; it is necessary that each individual producing establishment be habilitado pelo MAPA [[41]]. This process involves the submission of detailed technical documentation by the official service of the exporting country, including information on the physical structure of the industrial plant, the inspection procedures adopted, the self-control programs implemented and the technical capacity of the responsible team.

MAPA may carry out on-site audits in foreign establishments to verify in situ the hygienic-sanitary conditions, the effectiveness of official controls and compliance with Brazilian requirements. After approval, the establishment is included in official lists published by MAPA, allowing its goods to be shipped to Brazil.

List of authorized establishments and official consultations

MAPA maintains electronic public consultation systems that allow it to verify which foreign establishments are qualified to export products of animal origin to Brazil [[40]]. These lists are updated periodically and include information about the country of origin, the type of product authorized, the registration number of the establishment and the specific conditions of qualification.

Before starting any import operation, the importing company must rigorously consult these databases to confirm that the foreign supplier has a current and valid qualification for the desired product. The import of products from non-qualified establishments constitutes a serious health irregularity, subject to administrative penalties and seizure of the goods.

Related terms an expert would use:

• Qualification of foreign establishments
• International audit of industrial plants
• Lists of qualified establishments
• Animal health requirements by country
• Bilateral sanitary agreements

5. Mandatory Documentation and International Health Certificate

What is CSI and its legal importance

O International Health Certificate (ICS) is the official document that obligatorily accompanies most imported products of animal origin [[29]]. This certificate is issued by the competent health authority of the exporting country and proves that the product was produced under official control, meeting the animal health and sanitary conditions required by Brazil for that specific category of merchandise.

The CSI functions as a "sanitary passport" of the food, attesting to its origin, its production process, its compliance with Brazilian requirements and fitness for human consumption [[34]]. The absence, inconsistency or falsification of this document absolutely prevents the clearance of the goods, resulting in retention, return to the country of origin or destruction of the cargo.

Required business and technical documents

In addition to the CSI, the import operation must be instructed with a series of commercial and technical documents that prove the legality of the transaction and the conformity of the goods. Among the frequently required documents are:

• Commercial documents of the operation: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading;
• International health certificates valid and issued in the models approved by MAPA;
• Import Licenses (LI), when applicable, with the detailed technical information of the product;
• Transport documentation: temperature certificates, tracking records;
• Records related to the importing establishment: proof of registration with MAPA and SIF;
• Technical reports and certificates of analysis, when required for specific products.

Import licenses (LI) and specific requirements

For products of animal origin subject to special controls, Siscomex may require prior registration of Import License (LI) before shipment of the goods in the exporting country. This license is issued after MAPA's technical analysis, which verifies documentary compliance, the validity of the foreign establishment's qualification and compliance with current animal health requirements.

The LI contains detailed information about the product, its origin, the exporting establishment, the importing establishment and the specific import conditions. Customs clearance is only authorized after the electronic conference of the LI and the favorable manifestation of the integrated system.

Related terms an expert would use:

• CSI (International Health Certificate)
• Import License
• Commercial invoice and packing list
• Bilateral certificate templates
• Mandatory technical documentation

6. Inspection and Reinspection on Arrival in Brazil

Documentary conference and physical inspection by VIGIAGRO

Even after international shipment and arrival in the national territory, the goods remain subject to strict inspection. During entry into the country, VIGIAGRO's Federal Agricultural Tax Auditors carry out the documentary conference complete, verifying the authenticity and consistency of international health certificates, the validity of import licenses and the compliance of all required documents [[21]].

Parallel to the documentary analysis, the physical inspection of cargo, which includes the verification of the transport conditions (temperature, humidity, integrity of the packages), the quantitative verification of the volumes, the visual inspection of the products and the verification of the labeling according to the current Brazilian legislation.

Collecting Samples for Laboratory Analysis

When a health risk is identified or when determined by standard operating procedures, inspectors carry out the Specimen collection of the goods to be sent to laboratories accredited by MAPA [[21]]. Such laboratory analyses may include microbiological examinations, veterinary drug residue search, chemical contaminant analysis, physicochemical composition verification, and identification of animal species.

The results of these analyzes determine the definitive release of the cargo or the adoption of restrictive measures. During the analysis period, the goods remain under fiscal control in customs warehouses or registered warehouses, with storage costs on behalf of the importer.

Cargo destinations: release, retention or return

After completion of the inspection procedures, the cargo may have different destinations according to the result of the checks carried out. If all requirements are fully met, the payment in full on allotment of the goods for the domestic market, with the cancellation of the LI and the definitive customs clearance.

When remedial irregularities are identified, the cargo can be retida to submit additional documents or to correct non-conformities within certain deadlines. If serious or incurable irregularities are found, such as absence of health certificate, origin of non-qualified establishment or proven health non-compliance, the goods may be returned to country of origin or Destroyed?", as determined by current legislation [[23]].

Related terms an expert would use:

• Reinspection of imported products
• Documentary check and physical inspection
• Sample collection for laboratory analysis
• Release, retention or return of cargo
• Fiscal control of goods

7. Common Errors and Penalties for Noncompliance

Major faults causing load retention

In the routine of import operations, several recurring failures result in cargo retention and significant financial losses for importers. Among the most common mistakes are:

• Import of products from countries not authorized by MAPA;
• Use of foreign establishments not qualified or with suspended qualification;
• Presentation of an international health certificate in an incorrect model or with inconsistent information;
• Lack of registration of the importing establishment with MAPA or the competent inspection service;
• Unloading of the goods in a place not registered or not indicated in the sanitary documents;
• Alteration of transport conditions that compromise the sanitary integrity of the product;
• Labeling in disagreement with current Brazilian legislation.

Administrative and financial consequences

Failure to comply with legal import requirements constitutes a health violation and is subject to severe administrative penalties imposed by MAPA. These penalties may include high financial fines, seizure and destruction of the merchandise, suspension or cancellation of registration of the importing establishment and prohibition of carrying out new import operations for a fixed period.

In addition to the direct penalties, the importer bears all costs arising from the irregularity: storage of the retained cargo, expenses with return or destruction of the goods, commercial losses due to non-compliance with contracts with customers and reputational damages in the market. In cases of documentary fraud or importation of clandestine products, penalties of a criminal nature may also be applied.

How to avoid import problems

The prevention of problems in the importation of products of animal origin depends fundamentally on planejamento documental rigoroso and specialized technical advice. Before starting any operation, the importing company must:

• Check if the exporting country is authorized by MAPA for the desired product;
• Confirm the current qualification of the foreign establishment in the MAPA system;
• Assure that it has a valid registration with the competent inspection service;
• Obtain from the foreign supplier the correct models of health certificate;
• Consult VIGIAGRO or DIPOA in advance about specific requirements of the operation;
• Hire professionals specialized in foreign trade and health regulations;
• Maintain constant update on normative changes published by MAPA.

Related terms an expert would use:

• Health infraction and notice of infraction
• Seizure and destruction of goods
• Planejamento documental preventivo
• Expert regulatory advice
• Non-compliance costs

8. Frequently Asked Questions about Importing Animal Products

What animal products can be imported into Brazil?

Only products of animal origin from countries authorized by MAPA, produced in authorized foreign establishments and accompanied by a valid International Health Certificate may be imported commercially into Brazil. The list of countries and authorized establishments is kept updated by MAPA in its public consultation systems. Products from unauthorized countries or from unauthorized establishments cannot enter the national territory by commercial means.

How long does the process of releasing an imported cargo take?

The release time varies according to the complexity of the operation, the completeness of the documentation presented and the need for complementary laboratory analyzes. In routine operations with complete documentation and without the need for sampling, the release can occur within a few days after the arrival of the cargo. When laboratory analyzes are required, the deadline can be extended to weeks, as the exams require technical time for execution and issuance of reports. The retention due to documentary irregularities can significantly prolong the process until the regularization or final destination of the goods.

Is it possible to import animal products without registration on MAPA?

No. The commercial import of products of animal origin mandatorily requires that the importing company has a valid registration with MAPA or the competent inspection service. Unregistered companies cannot carry out regular import operations of these products. Attempting to import without proper registration results in cargo retention, application of administrative penalties and impossibility of customs clearance. Only in exceptional situations, such as importing samples for analysis or for international fairs, temporary special permits may be granted.

What happens if the cargo arrives without the International Health Certificate?

The absence of the International Health Certificate (ICS) absolutely prevents the release of the goods. Without this mandatory document, the cargo remains retained under fiscal control and must be returned to the country of origin or destroyed, as determined by the health authority. There is no possibility of further regularization or presentation of substitute documents. The CSI is an essential and non-negotiable requirement for the import of products of animal origin, as it attests to the sanitary compliance of the goods with Brazilian requirements. The importer bears all costs arising from the irregularity, including storage, return or destruction of the cargo.