In a swift response to a public health threat, the State of Kuwait has enacted emergency measures banning the import of poultry meat and edible offal from the United States of America due to an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The notification, registered as G/SPS/N/KWT/179 with the WTO Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, was issued on 15 July 2025.

The ban, formalized through Ministerial Decisions No. 1146 and 1147, covers all forms of poultry products—fresh, chilled, frozen, and processed—falling under HS code 0207 and ICS code 67.120. The action was taken by Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry in coordination with the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition, aiming to safeguard food safety, animal health, and human health.

This urgent measure aligns with international standards, specifically Chapter 10.4 of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Code, which addresses infections caused by HPAI viruses. The regulation is confirmed to be in full conformity with these global guidelines.

The ban took effect immediately on 15 July 2025, and stakeholders are encouraged to direct inquiries or comments to the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition in Sabah Al Salem, Kuwait, via www.pafn.gov.kw.

This decisive move underscores Kuwait’s proactive stance in preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases and protecting its population from potential health risks linked to international food trade.

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avian influenza, Kuwait food safety, poultry import ban, USA exports, OIE compliance, emergency SPS measure, animal health protection