Belgrade – Italy and Serbia have reached an agreement to resume exports of Italian pork and related products, bringing to an end the total import ban imposed in 2022 following outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) in Italy.

The agreement was formalised through the exchange of new veterinary health certificates between the Italian Embassy in Belgrade and Serbia’s Ministry of Agriculture. It is the result of lengthy negotiations involving the Italian Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Agriculture, with technical support from the Ministry of Health and the Italian Embassy in Serbia.

The reopening of the Serbian market represents an important development for Italy’s pork industry. A key element of the deal is the introduction of the principle of regionalisation, allowing exports from areas officially free of the disease.

For regions affected by ASF outbreaks, Serbia has recognised the effectiveness of virus-inactivation treatments, permitting the export of products that have been cooked or cured for more than six months.

“This is very good news for our companies and for the national pork sector,” said Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida. “Thanks to the work of our technical experts and effective diplomatic efforts, we are reopening a strategic market while ensuring full respect for health and safety standards and promoting the excellence of Italian agri-food products.”