Canada and US Lift Import Restrictions on German Dairy and Meat

On March 10, 2026, it was reported that Canada and the United States have lifted import restrictions on German meat and dairy products. This decision comes after Germany was recognized as free from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), following an outbreak that occurred in January 2025 on a farm in Brandenburg.

The restrictions were initially put in place by both Canada and the US as a response to the FMD outbreak, which posed a significant threat to livestock industries. The German agricultural ministry confirmed this development, which marks an important step in resuming normal trade relations.

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle and other livestock, and gaining the status of being FMD-free is crucial for international trade of animal products. The lifting of these restrictions is expected to benefit the German agricultural sector by reopening important markets in North America.

Both Canada and the US have stringent measures in place to prevent the introduction of animal diseases, and the recognition of Germany’s FMD-free status reflects confidence in the country’s veterinary and regulatory controls.

This move is likely to have a positive impact on trade flows, allowing German exporters to resume shipments of dairy and meat products to these major markets. The German agricultural ministry has welcomed this decision, highlighting it as a significant achievement in the country’s efforts to control and eliminate the disease.