The ban came into effect back in 2001, but the European Commission have long since called for its removal, stating that the barriers in place far exceeded the restrictions recommended by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

Since the announcement was made, the EU Commission have called on its member states who wish to resume exports to Brazil to submit applications to them.

They will then provide support to facilitate smooth passage of the applications through the highly bureaucratic process for accreditation that Brazilian authorities insist on.

In 2012, the value of EU agri-food exports to Brazil totalled €1.45 billion, indicating the economic significance that removal of the ban potentially offers.

Removal of trade restrictions has been broadly welcomed by the Commission. MEPS are now calling on the USA to follow suite and lift the barriers that remain in place preventing EU beef access on to their domestic market.