Biosecurity

EU EESC Adopts Opinion on European Biotech Act Proposal

The EESC adopted its opinion on the European Biotech Act in March 2026, supporting the framework while advocating for stricter licensing and biosafety oversight. Companies should anticipate potential new mandates for 'biotechnology products of concern' and enhanced traceability for GMO-derived materials in the supply chain.

5 Apr 2026, 05:18data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

Germany Publishes First Amendment To TRBA 462 On Classification Of Viruses And TSE-Associated Agents Into Risk Groups

Germany published the first amendment to TRBA 462 on March 31, 2026, updating the classification of viruses and TSE-associated agents into risk groups. Employers and laboratories must review existing risk assessments and protective measures to ensure alignment with the updated biological agent list and maintain compliance with the Biological Agents Ordinance.

3 Apr 2026, 09:51baua.deGermany

Germany Revises TRBA 466 On Classification Of Prokaryotes Into Risk Groups

Germany has updated the technical rule (TRBA 466) for classifying bacteria and archaea into risk groups, effective March 2026. Businesses must review the revised species list to update workplace risk assessments and ensure containment measures meet the latest occupational safety standards.

3 Apr 2026, 09:50baua.deGermany

EFSA Approves Methodology for Estimating Pest Survey Parameters for Detection Surveys

EFSA has approved a new methodology for estimating pest survey parameters to standardize the detection of plant pests across the EU. This framework will drive more rigorous national monitoring programs, increasing biosecurity scrutiny and data requirements for agricultural supply chains.

2 Apr 2026, 10:18open.efsa.europa.euEuropean Union

US Senate Introduces Bill On Logbooks For Distributors Of Highly Pathogenic Agents

The US Senate has introduced legislation (S.4227) to mandate strict logbook and recordkeeping requirements for distributors of highly pathogenic biological agents. Businesses in the biotechnology and life sciences sectors should prepare for enhanced traceability obligations and federal oversight of high-risk pathogen supply chains.

29 Mar 2026, 17:55congress.govUnited States

Denmark Announces 2026 Medicine-Control Inspections in Pig Herds Focusing on Antibiotic Use

Denmark will conduct targeted inspections of pig herds starting April 2026 to enforce strict antibiotic stewardship and record-keeping compliance. Agricultural operators must prioritize biosecurity and veterinary documentation to mitigate enforcement risks as authorities crack down on routine antimicrobial use.

29 Mar 2026, 05:34foedevarestyrelsen.dkDenmark

Scotland Publishes 2026–2032 Action Plan for Invasive Non-Native Species

Scotland has launched a comprehensive 2026–2032 Action Plan to combat invasive non-native species, setting ambitious 2030 targets for prevention and impact reduction. Businesses in land-based and marine sectors should prepare for mandatory biosecurity planning in procurement and licensing, alongside strengthened enforcement powers and increased private-sector funding expectations.

28 Mar 2026, 18:20nature.scotUnited Kingdom

Great Britain: APHA Updates Bluetongue Situation After Two New Cases in England

Defra/APHA confirmed new Bluetongue virus cases in March 2026, reinforcing the continuation of nationwide restricted zones across England and Wales. Livestock and germinal product operators must maintain strict compliance with movement licensing and testing protocols as the overall incursion risk remains medium.

27 Mar 2026, 08:28gov.ukUnited Kingdom

Minnesota SF 4332 – Committee Hears Changes to Aquaculture Fish Egg Importing, Stocking, and Transfer Rules

Minnesota is advancing legislation to ease restrictions on the transfer and stocking of aquaculture fish eggs from facilities testing positive for specific pathogens. The proposed shift toward treatment-based and regional-presence standards will provide hatcheries with greater operational flexibility in managing stock and supply chains.

27 Mar 2026, 07:55revisor.mn.govUnited States

Belgium AFSCA Seizes 180 Postal Parcels Containing Seeds at Zaventem Airport

Belgian authorities have intercepted a record volume of non-compliant seed imports, signaling intensified enforcement of EU phytosanitary regulations on e-commerce and postal channels. Companies importing plant-based materials must ensure strict adherence to border control and certification protocols to avoid seizures and broader supply chain disruptions.

26 Mar 2026, 19:33favv-afsca.beBelgiumEuropean Union

USDA APHIS Seeks Comment on Poultry Import and Avian Influenza Indemnity Information Collections

USDA APHIS is seeking feedback on the renewal of information collection requirements for poultry and pork imports from Mexico and avian influenza indemnity payments through April 24, 2026. This review signals the continued prioritization of strict biosecurity documentation and transit controls, maintaining the administrative baseline for importers and producers managing animal disease risks.

26 Mar 2026, 19:31federalregister.govUnited States

Croatia Establishes Demarcated Areas for Anoplophora chinensis Eradication

Croatia established new demarcated zones in Zadar and Zagreb counties for Anoplophora chinensis eradication, effective March 28, 2026. Affected operators must implement mandatory plant destruction and movement restrictions for host plants and wood to comply with EU biosecurity standards.

25 Mar 2026, 21:45narodne-novine.nn.hrCroatia

Greek Agriculture Ministry Announces Movement Bans and Milk Compensation for Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Lesvos

Greece has implemented immediate movement bans and dairy export prohibitions on Lesvos to contain Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreaks. Dairy and livestock operators face significant supply chain disruptions and must leverage government compensation schemes to offset losses from biosecurity restrictions.

25 Mar 2026, 21:44minagric.grGreece

Germany ZKBS 268th Meeting Adopts New Risk-Group Classifications and HPV Opinion

Germany’s ZKBS has updated risk-group classifications for several biological agents, including HPV and specific bacteria, effective March 2026. Facility operators must review biosafety assessments and containment protocols to align with these updated technical standards for genetic engineering.

21 Mar 2026, 19:23zkbs-online.deGermany

Belgium AFSCA Updates Vade-Mecum On Poultry Keeping And Salmonella Control

Belgium’s AFSCA updated its poultry and Salmonella control guidance (Version 9.0) in March 2026, introducing revised sampling and hygiene standards. Operators must align internal monitoring and water-quality protocols with these revised standards to ensure continued market access and regulatory compliance.

19 Mar 2026, 19:25favv-afsca.beBelgium

Czech SVS Issues KHO Disease Control And Vaccination Orders

The Czech State Veterinary Administration (SVS) has implemented national emergency orders establishing containment measures and vaccination protocols for the KHO animal disease, effective March 2026. Affected agricultural and veterinary operators must immediately align biosecurity and vaccination practices with these binding requirements to ensure compliance and mitigate outbreak-related operational risks.

19 Mar 2026, 19:24espis.svscr.czCzechia

Norway: Mattilsynet Sets 6 April 2026 Deadline for Norcod AS Corrective Action Plan After System Audit

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) has mandated a corrective action plan from Norcod AS by April 2026 following a system audit identifying gaps in biosafety and fish welfare risk management. This enforcement action underscores a shift toward stricter governance expectations for aquaculture operators, highlighting the need for integrated internal controls to mitigate operational and regulatory risks.

18 Mar 2026, 16:05mattilsynet-xp7prod.enonic.cloudNorway

Australia Licences GM Purple Tomato; FSANZ Permits Food Use in Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand have finalized regulatory approvals for the commercial cultivation and food use of genetically modified (GM) Purple Tomatoes as of January 2026. This approval signals a broadening acceptance of nutritionally enhanced GMOs, requiring food producers to manage mandatory GM labeling and complex trans-Tasman biosecurity import controls.

18 Mar 2026, 15:54ogtr.gov.auAustraliaNew Zealand

Norwegian Food Safety Authority Sets 2026 Supervision Priorities For Land Animals

Norway’s Food Safety Authority has set its 2026 enforcement priorities for land animals, targeting animal welfare, biosecurity, and fire safety. Livestock and equine operators should expect more frequent unannounced inspections and must ensure rigorous compliance with identification, registration, and disease surveillance mandates.

12 Mar 2026, 11:09mattilsynet.noNorway

Great Britain Confirms FMD-Related Import Restrictions on High-Risk Commodities From Cyprus

The UK has maintained emergency import restrictions on high-risk animal and dairy products from Cyprus to prevent the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease. Operators should anticipate continued border delays and rigorous veterinary inspections for affected commodities, necessitating contingency planning for Mediterranean sourcing.

12 Mar 2026, 05:04questions-statements.parliament.ukUnited KingdomCyprusEuropean Union