Federal Government publishes decree regulating Self-Control Law

The federal government regulated this Thursday (12/6) Law 14.515/2022, which deals with self-control in agricultural defense. Decree 12.502/2025 establishes rules for administrative inspection processes and details procedures for applying fines and appeals. One of the main innovations is the possibility of converting penalties into a Conduct Adjustment Term (TAC), under specific conditions.

Companies that have their registration, listing or accreditation suspended or revoked may request the execution of a TAC. The agreement has the effect of an extrajudicial executive title and allows the penalty to be replaced by a fine, in addition to providing for additional obligations. The measure aims to prevent the interruption of economic activities, provided that the offender complies with the agreed terms.

The rule defines deadlines and instances for defense and appeal.

The process begins with a notice of violation, which must contain legal grounds and a clear description of the irregularity. The defense may be presented electronically or in person, including at inspection units. Appeals may be processed up to the third instance, under analysis by the Special Committee for Agricultural Defense Appeals.

The decree also establishes criteria for calculating and paying fines in installments. The amount will be determined according to the severity of the offense, recidivism and size of the offender.

Payment in full within 20 days, without recourse, entitles you to a 20% discount. Installments, when possible, must be requested within 20 days and paid in up to five installments.

Specific recidivism increases the penalty by 10% for each new infraction within a five-year period. Generic recidivism is treated as an aggravating factor. The decree also provides for the publication, on the website of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, of the data of sanctioned companies after a final decision.

The Special Appeals Committee will be composed of representatives from the Ministries of Agriculture and Justice, as well as members of the industry and agricultural sector. The committee will ultimately judge appeals and decide on the viability of the TACs. Members will serve for two years, with the possibility of reappointment.

The decree comes into force on the date of its publication and revokes provisions of previous normative acts that dealt with the subject. The Secretariat of Agricultural Defense will be responsible for issuing complementary norms, including on the deadlines and procedures for concluding a TAC.