Shortage of auditors compromises agricultural inspection at Brazilian airports

The lack of federal agricultural inspectors (AFFAs) at Brazil’s main airports poses a significant challenge to controlling the entry of prohibited animal and plant products into the country. According to the National Union of Federal Agricultural Inspectors (Anffa Sindical), these professionals are essential for inspecting international baggage and cargo, playing a crucial role in preventing the entry of pests and diseases that can affect crops and livestock, with potential repercussions for the national economy.

One of Brazil's main airports, Galeão Airport in Rio de Janeiro, doubled its number of passengers in the first half of 2024. Regarding international flights, there are currently around 8,9 passengers coming from abroad, with only 14 auditors responsible for inspections. Despite the low number of professionals working at the site, the work carried out maintains the operation within the standards of excellence and safety, despite daily difficulties.

The president of the National Union of Federal Agricultural Auditors (Anffa Sindical), Janus Pablo Macedo, warns about the risks of this situation: “Auditors need to inspect a wide variety of items on all international flights arriving in Brazil. It is a job that requires commitment and dedication, and there is certainly no shortage of that, but it is necessary to have enough personnel so that these operations are always carried out in the best possible conditions. We are counting on the reinforcement that will come from the public examinations in the near future, but it will still not be enough. We need hundreds of new auditors spread throughout the country,” says Macedo.

The situation in other states is also worrying. At Maceió Airport (AL), for example, although it receives two weekly flights from Portugal, there is no agricultural inspector on duty to inspect passengers' luggage, representing a risk to food safety and, consequently, to the national economy.

At Guarulhos International Airport, the largest in the country, the situation is equally worrying. With more than 140 international flights a day, handling an average of 33 passengers, the airport has only 21 AFFAs. Internal studies indicate that the ideal number of auditors would be at least 45 to effectively meet demand.

“It is important to emphasize that the work is being done. The auditors are fully dedicated and organized in the best possible way to inspect the high number of daily flights, which land 24 hours a day. However, they should not be alone in this task. It is difficult to move from one terminal to another in a few minutes to inspect all arriving passengers and baggage, as well as cargo. Thanks to their high level of training, they can do it, but they need reinforcements to improve the flow and avoid possible delays,” adds the president of Anffa Sindical.

In Viracopos, Campinas, and São Paulo, the inspection team is also insufficient. With around 5 to 7 international flights per day, carrying approximately 1,5 passengers, only 10 inspectors are available, when the ideal number would be double that. This shortfall compromises the efficiency of cargo and baggage inspections, increasing the risk of products entering the country that could endanger Brazilian agriculture.

Confins Airport in Minas Gerais is facing similar difficulties. With five international flights a day, many of them arriving in the early hours of the morning, there are only five auditors to meet the demand. In the Northeast, the situation is critical at the airports of Recife and Salvador.

In Recife, there are eight auditors to inspect international flights, wooden packaging and products of animal and plant origin. In Salvador, five professionals, four veterinarians and one agronomist, inspect 20 international flights per week. It is worth mentioning that in the summer the flow of flights can even double.

These airports are gateways for products that, if not properly inspected, can have serious consequences for the country. Products such as meat, vegetables, seeds and even wooden packaging can be carriers of devastating diseases and pests. The introduction of a disease such as African swine fever, for example, can result in economic embargoes and billions in losses for agribusiness, a sector that is one of the main drivers of the Brazilian economy.

“Staff shortages are a problem that affects most, if not all, airports in Brazil. Strengthening the number of federal agricultural tax auditors is an urgent need for the country to continue to ensure border security, the competitiveness of agribusiness and mitigate potential risks,” reinforces Janus Pablo.

Without an adequate number of auditors, Brazil is exposed to risks that could compromise its food and economic security. According to the union, “it is imperative that the competent authorities take rapid and effective measures to strengthen inspections at airports, ensuring that Brazil continues to be a safe and competitive country in the global market.”