Date of issue: 17 June 2026
Date of effect: 3 September 2026
Reference Number: MAA 2026-14
Attention
- Industries—Industry bodies – Dairy Australia, Infant Nutrition Council, Dairy Export Industry Consultative Committee, Australian Food and Grocery Council
- Dairy Export establishments
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry — Central and Regional offices
- Exporters, AEPI and NEXDOC users
Purpose
This Market Access Advice (MAA) notifies stakeholders that the European Union (EU) will prohibit the use of antimicrobials for growth promotion or yield enhancement in animals for all imports entering the EU supply chain from 3 September 2026.
This change will affect all Australian dairy products, as Australia does not currently implement a segregated production system for dairy exports to the EU. The requirements also apply to milk products imported from third countries that are used as ingredients in products exported to the EU.
This Market Access Advice details the anticipated impacts for Australian dairy producers and what dairy producers and exporters can do now to prepare.
Background
Most Australian antimicrobial products are labelled for disease prevention or control, and these product uses will not be restricted. However, antimicrobial products which can currently be used for growth promotion or increased yield in Australian dairy cattle will be impacted.
To support ongoing market access, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) is progressing an independent process to remove uses prohibited by the EU from Australian antimicrobial veterinary product labels.
What is an antimicrobial?
An antimicrobial is a substance that acts on a micro-organism (e.g. bacteria). Some antimicrobial compounds used in livestock are commonly described as feed additives or nutritional supplements.
Label changes proposed by the APVMA to maintain EU market access
Label Uses to remain: Antimicrobial products labelled to treat or prevent diseases in dairy cattle such as bloat, coccidiosis or ketosis/mastitis are supported. Most Australian antimicrobial products are labelled for these purposes and can continue to be used for these purposes.
Label Uses to be removed: Antimicrobials labelled for growth promotion or increased yield in milk production in dairy cattle and calves destined for dairy production. Due to the impact on trade between Australia and the EU, the APVMA has proposed that these uses would no longer be supported and will be removed from product labels.
Actions for milk producers
Australian dairy producers can prepare for the change now by:
- Reviewing all antimicrobial veterinary products used on your property or included in feeds and supplements to ensure they are only used for disease control or prevention.
- If necessary, consulting your veterinarian or nutrition advisor for guidance on complying with EU rules.
- Recording the therapeutic reason for using any veterinary products or feed additives on your property, including for antimicrobials the disease or condition being treated or prevented by recording that you have used the product 'to prevent or control disease' or include the disease treatment or prevention use listed on the label (e.g. to prevent bloat, treat coccidiosis).
Actions for dairy exporters
- Ensure dairy producers within your supply chains are aware of the EU's requirements that antimicrobial products must only be used only for therapeutic purposes in dairy cattle and records should reflect this usage.
Micor
The Manual of Importing Country Requirements (Micor) will be updated to reflect this market access advice. The department encourages users of Micor to subscribe to the Micor update service for a commodity-specific email that lists changes that have been made the preceding week.
Further information
Contact exportstandards@aff.gov.au if you have any queries.
The information provided in this advice is current at the time of writing and is intended for use as guidance only and should not be taken as definitive or exhaustive. The Commonwealth endeavours to keep information current and accurate, however, it may be subject to change without notice. Exporters are encouraged to verify these details with their importers prior to undertaking production/exports. The Commonwealth will not accept liability for any loss resulting from reliance on information contained in this notice.