Brazilian Soybeans (GMO & Non-GMO)

Brazil’s soybean grading standards are set by the Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) under Normative Instruction 11/2007, but in practice most exports follow commercial contracts from ANEC (Brazilian Grain Exporters Association). The key limits are: moisture ≤ 14%, foreign matter ≤ 2%, damaged beans ≤ 8.5%, broken beans ≤ 30%, and greenish beans ≤ 8%. Recent proposals to reduce the moisture limit to 13% have stalled due to farmer opposition.

 Official Standards (MAPA – IN 11/2007)

• Identity & Quality: Defines soybean classification, inspection, sampling, and testing methods.
• Mandatory Use: Only compulsory for government sales, imports, or final consumption.

Export Proposed Updates (2022–2024):

• Reduce moisture limit from 14% → 13% (currently suspended).
• Adjust defect categories (damage, protein, oil content).
• Align closer to international standards.

Commercial Standards (ANEC Contracts)

Brazilian exports are governed by ANEC 41 (FOB parcels) and ANEC 42 (FOB full cargo) contracts, referencing FOSFA (Federation of Oils, Seeds and Fats Association) methods:

• Moisture: Max 14%
• Foreign Matter: Basis 1%, max 2%
• Damaged Beans: Basis 8%, max 8.5% (≤4% heat damaged, ≤6% mouldy, ≤1% burned)
• Broken Beans: Max 30%
• Greenish Beans: Max 8%
• Oil Content: Basis 18.5% (discounts apply if lower)
• Toxic Seeds: Strict tolerance (1 particle per 1 kg sample per 5,000 MT lot)

Brazilian soybeans are a major import source; contracts typically specify ANEC standards, so traders should expect moisture ≤ 14% and damage ≤ 8.5% as baseline.