EU-Mercosur Sector
Food & Agriculture
The most politically sensitive sector. Tariff-rate quotas for EU dairy, chocolate, olive oil, and processed food — with Geographic Indications protecting 357 EU products.
Tariff-rate quotas (TRQs)
Agricultural products from the EU enter Brazil under tariff-rate quotas — a fixed volume at preferential (typically 0%) rates, with full MFN rates applying above the quota:
| Product | HS | TRQ volume | In-quota | MFN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheese | 0406 | 30,000 tons | 0% (in-quota) | 28% |
| Milk powder | 0402 | 10,000 tons | 0% (in-quota) | 28% |
| Infant formula | 1901.10 | 5,000 tons | 0% (in-quota) | 16% |
| Chocolate | 1806 | 20,000 tons | 0% (in-quota) | 20% |
| Biscuits/cookies | 1905 | 6,000 tons | 0% (in-quota) | 16–18% |
| Olive oil | 1509 | 15,000 tons | 0% (in-quota) | 10% |
| Canned tomatoes | 2002 | 10,000 tons | 0% (in-quota) | 14% |
| Pet food | 2309 | 8,000 tons | 0% (in-quota) | 14% |
TRQ volumes increase annually over the first 5–10 years. Allocation is first-come, first-served among EU exporters.
MAPA approval comes first
Agricultural imports to Brazil require MAPA pre-approval: bilateral health protocol, establishment approval, and health certificates. Zero-duty TRQs mean nothing if your country doesn't have an active protocol with Brazil for your product. Check MAPA country approvals before planning agricultural exports.
Geographic Indications (GIs)
The EU-Mercosur agreement protects 357 European Geographic Indications in Brazil. This is one of the most commercially significant aspects of the agreement for EU food producers. Key protected GIs include:
Wines & spirits
- Champagne (France)
- Prosecco (Italy)
- Rioja (Spain)
- Porto / Port (Portugal)
- Cognac (France)
- Scotch Whisky (UK)
Cheese
- Parmigiano Reggiano (Italy)
- Roquefort (France)
- Manchego (Spain)
- Feta (Greece)
- Gorgonzola (Italy)
- Comté (France)
Meat & charcuterie
- Prosciutto di Parma (Italy)
- Jamón Ibérico (Spain)
- Bayonne Ham (France)
- Bresaola della Valtellina (Italy)
Oils & other
- Kalamata (olive oil, Greece)
- Modena (balsamic vinegar, Italy)
- Bavaria (beer, Germany)
- Nürnberger (sausages, Germany)
Brazilian producers currently using names like "Parmesão" or "Champagne" for domestic products have a transition period of 5–7 years to rebrand. After the transition, only EU-originating products can use these names in Brazil.
SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) provisions
- Streamlined approvals: the agreement includes commitments to expedite establishment approvals and reduce bilateral inspection timelines. Target: 180 days for new establishment approvals (currently 2+ years).
- Regionalization: disease outbreaks in one EU region should not trigger blanket bans — only the affected region should be restricted.
- Mutual GMP recognition: for processed food, EU GMP certifications are recognized by ANVISA, reducing duplicate inspections.
- Technical standards: agreement includes provisions for harmonizing pesticide MRLs (Maximum Residue Levels) and food additive standards over time.
Key EU exporter countries
- France — wines, spirits (Cognac), cheese (Roquefort, Comté), processed food.
- Italy — Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, olive oil, wine (Prosecco).
- Spain — olive oil (world's largest producer), wine (Rioja), Jamón Ibérico.
- Portugal — Port wine, olive oil, canned fish.
- Netherlands — Gouda, dairy products, processed food.
- Germany — beer, sausages, confectionery, dairy.