Date of issue: 13 March 2026
Attention:
- EUCAS accredited managers (farm, feedlot and saleyards), producers and supply chain participants
Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise of the publication of updates to the European Union Cattle Accreditation Scheme (EUCAS) Farm, Feedlot and Saleyard Rules to meet new European Union antimicrobial resistance (AMR) requirements. These changes are necessary to maintain market access for Australian beef exports to the EU.
Summary of Key Points
- From 3 September 2026, the EU will prohibit the use of antimicrobials for growth promotion or increased yield in animals within the EU supply chain, including imports arriving in country.
- These requirements apply regardless of the exporting country and will affect Australian beef exported to the EU.
- Updated EUCAS Rules addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) requirements are now published on the departments website.
- These changes are required to maintain access to the EU beef market.
Background
- The European Union has introduced new legislative requirements prohibiting the use of antimicrobials for growth promotion or increased yield in animals within the EU supply chain for all imports from 3 September 2026.
- Most antimicrobial products used in Australian beef production are labelled for disease prevention or treatment, and these uses remain compliant with EU requirements.
- A small number of antimicrobial products and practices do not meet the new EU rules, particularly where label instructions relate to productivity outcomes such as improved feed efficiency, increased weight gain or enhanced yield.
- As a result, amendments to the EUCAS Farm, Feedlot and Saleyard Rules were required to ensure alignment with EU antimicrobial resistance (AMR) legislation.
- Further information on the APVMA proposed label amendments for products containing prosalinomycin, lasalocid, narasin, flavophospholipol and monensin can be found on the APVMA website on the Trade Advice Notice on products containing antimicrobials for growth promotion on cattle and sheep destined for European markets page.
- In December 2024, the department issued EUCAS Advice Notice EAN24 01 to provide early advice to industry representatives on the EU’s new antimicrobial requirements, identify potentially impacted products and practices, and outline recommended preparatory actions.
- Following consultation and consideration of feedback, the department has now finalised updates to the EUCAS rules that specifically address antimicrobial resistance (AMR) requirements, clarify permitted and prohibited antimicrobial use, reinforce record keeping expectations, and support Australia’s ability to demonstrate compliance with EU import requirements.
Further information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN please email EUCAS@aff.gov.au, or contact the EUCAS Helpline on 1800 305 544.
Meat Exports Branch
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
The information provided in this advice is current at the time of writing and is intended for use as guidance only and should not be taken as definitive or exhaustive. The Commonwealth endeavours to keep information current and accurate, however, it may be subject to change without notice. Exporters are encouraged to verify these details with their importers prior to undertaking production/exports. The Commonwealth will not accept liability for any loss resulting from reliance on information contained in this notice.