Sheep and goat pox in Greece 2026: EU restrictions affecting importers and livestock farmers

Key data

Livestock and commercial operators working with sheep and goats in the European market have a new review obligation as of 12 June 2026. The Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1366 modifies the emergency regulation 2024/2207, which has been in force since 2024 to contain sheep and goat pox in Greece. This update may expand, reduce or adjust the restricted zones depending on the epidemiological evolution of the disease.

For Spanish companies, the impact is direct: any commercial movement of susceptible animals, derived products or genetic material from the affected areas of Greece is subject to specific conditions that have just changed. Operating under the previous regulation without updating controls may result in border rejections.

What does this regulation establish?

Decision 2026/1366 is a modification of the existing emergency regulation (2024/2207). It does not create a new regime from scratch, but rather updates the conditions in force to adapt them to the current epidemiological situation of sheep and goat pox in Greece.

The key elements regulated by this regulation are:

The previous regulation (2024/2207) established the initial emergency framework. This 2026 modification updates that framework, which means that the specific conditions for access to the Greek market have changed compared to those in force until 12 June 2026.

Economic and operational impact

The main impact is not a fee or fixed amount, but the operational and commercial risk arising from operating with outdated conditions. The specific effects for companies are:

• Border rejections: Shipments that do not comply with the new conditions of the restricted zones may be rejected at border controls, with the associated logistics and return costs.
• Administrative sanctions: Non-compliance with EU emergency measures on animal health entails administrative sanctions, the amount of which depends on the national regulation applicable in each Member State.
• Suspension of operations: Importing or exporting companies that have not updated their procedures may see their commercial operations with Greece blocked until they regularize their situation.
• Review of contracts and certifications: Health certificates and supply contracts that reference regulation 2024/2207 must be updated to reflect the conditions of 2026/1366.

Since the regulation entered into force on 12 June 2026 and was published on 17 June 2026, there is a five-day period in which the regulation was already applicable before its official publication. Companies must verify whether any operations carried out during that interval require review.

Who does it affect?

• Greek livestock farmers with farms in the restricted zones defined by the regulation.
• Spanish and European importers of live sheep and goats from Greece.
• Spanish exporters sending animals or products to Greece and must comply with entry conditions.
• Operators of derived products (meat, milk, cheese, wool) from sheep and goats originating from affected areas of Greece.
• Artificial insemination centers and genetic material operators (semen, embryos) of sheep and goats.
• Transporters and customs agents managing movements of these species or their products from or to Greece.
• Official veterinarians and animal health advisors certifying intra-community movements of these species.

Practical example

A Spanish importing company of live lambs for fattening has a regular supply contract with a Greek livestock farmer. Until 11 June 2026, it operated under the conditions of Decision 2024/2207. From 12 June onwards, Decision 2026/1366 modifies the restricted zones and health control conditions.

If the Greek supplier farm now falls within an expanded restricted zone, or if the health certification conditions have changed, the next shipment may be rejected at the border even though the animals are healthy and the previous certificate was valid. The importer will need to:

1. Confirm with its Greek supplier whether the farm is within the new restricted zones.
2. Obtain updated health certification in accordance with Decision 2026/1366.
3. Notify the regulatory change to its customs agent and the official veterinarian certifying the import.

Without these steps, the shipment may be blocked at the border inspection post, generating storage, return or destruction costs.

What should companies do now?

1. Verify if your Greek suppliers or destinations are in restricted zones: Consult the full text of Decision 2026/1366 to identify the updated affected zones and compare them with the location of the farms you operate with.
2. Review current health certificates: Any certificate issued under regulation 2024/2207 must be updated if it references conditions that have been modified by 2026/1366.
3. Inform transporters and customs agents: Ensure that all logistics operators involved are aware of the regulatory change and apply the new documentation requirements.
4. Contact the official veterinarian: To confirm what new certification conditions apply to intra-community movements of sheep, goats, their products and genetic material from Greece.
5. Review supply contracts: If contracts explicitly reference regulation 2024/2207, update the regulatory compliance clauses to reflect the new Decision 2026/1366.
6. Document operations carried out between 12 and 17 June 2026: Verify whether any movement made during that period requires review or regularization, given that the regulation entered into force before its official publication.

Official source

Consult full regulation at official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601366