Detail

Brazil

Oilseeds, oils and meals

Soybeans, soymeal, maize

01/11/2020

Trade

Import policies (non-tariff measures)

Simplified the import licensing requirements for genetically modified (GM) feed products. The measures were aimed at facilitating – amid contracting domestic supplies – imports of soybeans/meal and maize from countries outside the Mercosur trade bloc, notably from the United States of America (the United States).

BRAZIL – import policy: As part of efforts to facilitate imports of soybeans (and derived products) and maize from countries outside the South American Mercosur trade bloc and in particular from the United States of America (see MPPU Nov.’20), on 3 November 2020, the Government simplified the information requirements on import licences for genetically modified (GM) products intended to be used in animal feed. However, the USDA cautioned traders that there is no evidence to suggest that the new rules establish approval for GM soy and maize varieties that have not been explicitly authorized by Brazil’s Technical Biosafety Commission (CTNBio). According to trade sources, Brazil – the world’s number one supplier of soybeans – could import up to 1 million tonnes of soybeans in CY 2020, the highest volume in at least 12 years.