Namibia readies for EU deforestation regulations
Regulations take effect on 1 January
The regulations require proof of compliance with local legislation relevant to production, and exporters must verify that all products meet EU regulations.
The European Union (EU) plans to implement a regulation requiring proof that the production of certain commodities has not contributed to deforestation.According to the Livestock and Livestock Products Board (LLPB), this regulation will take effect on 1 January and will apply to all European member states, as well as any country trading with the EU in the specified products.
In Namibia's case, these include beef, charcoal, hides, skins and leather.
The regulations require proof of compliance with local legislation relevant to production, and exporters must verify that all products meet EU regulations.
The LLPB said it is in the process of preparing the Namibian livestock industry to enable it to comply with the new rules.
"However, the impact is much earlier, as products entering the EU from 1 January 2025 must already comply.”
The LLPB, in collaboration with export abattoirs, will inform the industry in due time about the correct documentation to be completed and submitted.
“It is already in the process of determining the demarcation, or 'geo-location', of all involved producers to the European Union market, which is also a requirement of this regulation."
Farm inspections underway
In other news, the FAN Meat division of LLPB will kick off with its annual farm inspections this week, which are conducted to ensure that producers meet FAN Meat standards.
The LLPB said along with producers, livestock transporters, auction agents, feedlots and export abattoirs will also be inspected.
The FAN Meat standards are applied as a marketing tool to assure consumers of Namibian-exported meat that it meets minimum export standards.
Furthermore, producers can apply online for livestock permits as of 1 November.
The LLPB has automated all of its application systems for online services such as permits, ear tags and livestock brand applications.
The online permit system will be implemented on 1 November this year, with LLPB currently engaged in training potential users.