Stelios Vaporidis, Head of Agrifood Business Development, TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas
A new framework of trade and compliance requirements
The evolving EU-Mercosur agreement introduces new conditions for the agri‑food sector, establishing phased market access rules and special provisions for sensitive products such as beef, poultry, honey and sugar. Despite tariff quotas and safeguard mechanisms, the EU maintains its strict regulatory framework for food safety, animal and plant health, and traceability. All products, regardless of origin, must fully comply with European requirements, including the latest rules on deforestation and sustainable supply chains. As a result, the market is no longer shaped solely by tariffs, but increasingly by the ability to demonstrate compliance.
Certification as a strategic driver of growth
In an environment of rising complexity, new regulatory demands and increased inflows from third countries, the agri‑food sector must demonstrate both quality and responsibility. Mere adherence to procedures is no longer sufficient; documented reliability is essential. Certification acts as a strategic advantage by providing transparency, strengthening brand reputation and facilitating access to international markets. As the global trade landscape continues to evolve, TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas responds proactively to every new requirement, offering end‑to‑end solutions that ensure readiness and continuity for businesses across the entire supply chain.
Food safety: the foundation of competitiveness
Food safety is a cornerstone for any modern enterprise. Through certifications such as FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, BRCGS and IFS, businesses ensure that all stages of production operate under internationally recognized standards, supported by documented procedures and effective control mechanisms. For partners, this means trust. For consumers, it means safety. And for businesses, it is a decisive advantage in a market where supply chain integrity is critical-especially as imports from third countries continue to rise.
Responsible agricultural practices: proof of quality from the field
In modern agriculture, responsibility must be demonstrated through measurable data. Schemes such as GLOBALG.A.P. and its specialised add‑ons enable producers to document good agricultural practices, natural resource protection and high product quality, while reinforcing commitment to sustainability and reduced environmental impact. For producers, this is an investment that increases product value; for export‑oriented businesses, it is a prerequisite for entry into demanding international markets.
Certification as a guarantee of trust in international trade
In highly complex environments such as those shaped by the EU-Mercosur agreement, certification plays a decisive role: it provides documentation, transparency and security. It is the signal recognised by international markets. Through certification, agri‑food businesses earn the trust of their partners, protect their reputation and strengthen their position in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
A comprehensive portfolio of services for the food chain
TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas covers the full supply chain-from primary production (GLOBALG.A.P. and add‑ons) to food processing and manufacturing, with internationally recognised standards such as BRCGS, IFS and FSSC 22000. At the same time, it supports sustainability initiatives through services such as EUDR compliance and carbon footprint certification, among others.
A crucial catalyst in verification is the TÜV AUSTRIA LABS network, which carries out the required analyses to objectively confirm compliance with European regulations. Laboratory testing transforms certification into measurable proof of reliability, linking market requirements with verified data. This reduces operational risks, enhances transparency across the entire supply chain and accelerates access to demanding international markets. Through this integrated system, every link in the chain gains transparency, credibility and added value.
Global presence, international support
TÜV AUSTRIA maintains a presence in more than 40 countries and a network of specialised auditors across key agri‑food domains, providing coverage even for businesses operating in markets such as the Mercosur region. This global infrastructure enables multinationals, exporters and organised supplier networks to implement uniform compliance standards across every market they operate in.
The strategic positioning of TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas
At a time when compliance is a core condition for market access, TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas delivers evidence‑based solutions that reduce uncertainty, strengthens the market’s readiness for new regulatory frameworks and continuously invests in innovation and expertise. Because certification is not merely a process; it is a culture-and in the new era of international trade, it is a prerequisite for sustainable growth.