2026 GCCA Brazil Regulatory Forum Recap

This week, GCCA Brazil hosted its 2nd Regulatory Forum, convening participants that included 4 officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA), 7 member companies, 1 partner association (ABOL), legal counsel, and GCCA Brazil’s government affairs consultant advisor. The Forum reinforced GCCA Brazil’s role as a key platform for structured public-private dialogue on regulatory matters impacting the cold chain and protein exports.

Key Highlights:

• Strong government engagement: Active participation from MAPA representatives, including officials from SCRI (Secretariat of International Relations and Trade) and DIPOA (Department of Inspection of Products of Animal Origin – meat inspection authority). Government representatives attended from the beginning of the program, listening closely to industry concerns and engaging directly with sector demands.
• Clear advocacy impact: The MAPA official directly involved in the revision of Ordinance SDA nº 431/2021 (a regulation that defines sanitary rules and procedures for the storage and handling of animal-origin products, including requirements that directly impact cold storage operators and export logistics) indicated during the discussions that several of the sector’s contributions and requests have been heard and are being considered—an important signal of progress in GCCA Brazil’s advocacy efforts.
• Timely policy dialogue: The Forum was strategically aligned with the imminent revision of Ordinance 431, with a new public consultation expected to be launched in the coming days, positioning GCCA and its members to actively contribute.
• Substantive technical discussions led by key speakers:

• • Dra. Barbara Brentani (Legal) addressed the implications of Law nº 14.515/2022, which establishes Brazil’s self-control framework, shifting greater responsibility for food safety compliance to companies while maintaining government oversight. Brentani’s comments focused on suspension of activities, regulatory interpretation, and legal uncertainty
  • Marcia Braga (Industry representative)  presented operational challenges of Ordinance 431 for EPOAs and industry-driven proposals for optimization
  • Vivianne Moreira Leite ( Chair of the Regulatory Committee)  delivered a comprehensive timeline of GCCA Brazil’s advocacy efforts since 2019, highlighting key achievements and reinforcing the sector’s coordinated positioning
  • Marcel Moreira (MAPA – Department of Non-Tariff Negotiations and Sustainability, under SCRI) shared government perspectives on trade, sustainability, and export dynamics
  • Dr. Ricardo Buosi (MAPA – Acting Director, DIPOA) provided updates on ongoing regulatory review processes within DIPOA

• Advocacy maturity and coordination: The level of discussion reflects a more mature, technically grounded, and coordinated advocacy approach from GCCA Brazil and its members, supported by consistent engagement, technical submissions, and alignment across stakeholders.

This year’s forum was well-timed in strengthening GCCA Brazil’s institutional relationship with MAPA during a critical regulatory window. It positions GCCA and our members to play an active and constructive role in the upcoming public consultation on Ordinance 431 and other regulatory developments impacting cold chain operations in Brazil.

For photos from this year’s Forum, visit the GCCA album.

View the full 2026 GCCA Global Events Calendar for more networking opportunities to network in Brazil and around the world.

22 April | Global Trade Policy Webinar: One Year After Liberation Day

27 – 28 May | GCCA Brazil Cold Chain Congress