October 31, 2009

Brazil to enforce simpler cattle traceability system in two years

The Brazilian upper house has approved a bill of law which will enforce a simpler and more affordable, but compulsory, cattle traceability system within two years.

The current voluntary SISBOV traceability system is considered to be bureaucratic and unprofitable, given its high costs and low price mark-ups over non-traced cattle. However, the bill does not eliminate or replace SISBOV, as it will remain as one of the identification options.

According to Brazilian authorities, the new system does not aim at opening new markets, but to provide a safety assurance system throughout the animal's life stages for the whole Brazilian herd, through to the final product supply chain.

All animals will need to carry property identification, through the option of a burn mark, tattoo, electronic system or other voluntary systems, such as SISBOV or approved breeder registries. All agents involved in the cattle supply chain will be responsible for maintaining records of cattle transaction and invoices for a period of five years. In addition, other documents, such as Animal Transit Records (GTA) and sanitary inspection records, will be required as proof of traceability.

Producers will have a period of two years to adopt the new rules, and all producers and meatpackers will only be able to purchase cattle with the appropriate identification, accompanied by their respective GTA.

There are mixed opinions amongst local producers about the new system. Although it is considered to be simpler, it is not known if it will fulfill the EU's traceability requirements, for which the SISBOV system was created.