EU farm inspections put Namibia’s livestock exports under pressure

Staff Reporter

NAMIBIA’S livestock export industry has come under pressure after annual inspections required to maintain European Union (EU) certification were suspended earlier this year due to funding constraints, prompting a temporary arrangement to prevent disruptions to exports.

EU-approved livestock farms are required to undergo annual inspections by state veterinarians to retain their certification and continue accessing important export markets. However, the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) indicated that its operational budget for the 2026/27 financial year had been exhausted for the service, bringing the inspections to a halt.

The suspension raised concerns among producers whose livestock depend on EU-certified supply chains. Delays in inspections could result in certifications lapsing, potentially preventing producers from slaughtering livestock at export-approved abattoirs.

This could have wider implications for the livestock industry, export abattoirs and Namibia’s ability to meet its international export commitments.