Brazilian Congress Advances Legislation to Boost Artisan Cheese Market
Brazil's Congress is advancing a legislative project that seeks to further open the market for artisan cheese producers. This development is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle decades-old trade barriers that have restricted the sale of artisan cheese across state lines. In 2018, the introduction of Law No. 13.680 marked the first significant step, allowing the interstate sale of artisan animal-based products under official sanitary inspection.
The framework continued to evolve with Law No. 13.860 in 2019, which acknowledged the unique production methods of traditional cheeses, simplifying control, inspection, and traceability procedures. This law facilitated the nationwide sale of artisan cheeses, leading to the establishment of the 'Selo Queijo Artesanal' certification in 2022. According to Deputy Zé Silva, this certification broke down major commercial barriers for cheese producers.
The current legislative effort, Project of Law 2.775/2019, introduced by Deputy José Medeiros, aims to update rules related to the circulation, commercialization, and inspection of artisan food products. The proposal was approved by the Commission of Industry, Commerce and Services of the Chamber of Deputies in June 2026 and is now moving to the Commission of Agriculture, Livestock, Supply and Rural Development.
Noteworthy aspects of the project include recognizing municipal public health inspections as sufficient for interstate sales and simplifying the process for artisan products to participate in international fairs and competitions. This could potentially increase international recognition for Brazilian artisan cheeses and other products.
Deputy José Medeiros emphasized that the legislation is designed to stimulate rural entrepreneurship and enable producers to access new markets while maintaining sanitary standards. Meanwhile, Deputy Daniel Agrobom highlighted that the proposal would reduce costs for small entrepreneurs, expand their commercial reach, and provide more legal security.
The legislative changes reflect a broader trend towards adjusting regulatory measures to better fit the scale and nature of small producers, allowing family-run dairies to expand beyond local markets and potentially target international opportunities.
