Law No. 13.160 regulating the breeding, handling, transport, processing and marketing of the exotic species Pangasius hypophthalmus (Panga) in the State of Mato Grosso and establishing biosecurity and environmental sustainability standards.

This Law aims to establish a regulatory framework for the breeding, management, transport, processing, and commercialization of the exotic fish species Pangasius hypophthalmus (Panga) within the State of Mato Grosso. It introduces mandatory compliance with state and federal environmental legislation, licensing by the State Secretariat for the Environment (SEMA‑MT), and strict biosafety, sanitary, and animal‑welfare protocols. The Law also defines restrictions to prevent environmental risks, expressly prohibiting Panga breeding in natural water bodies using net‑cage systems, in protected areas, and in unlicensed or inadequately equipped locations. In addition, it aims to ensure environmental sustainability, risk mitigation, and responsible production practices. It requires environmental licensing processes to consider water‑body carrying capacity, effluent‑treatment systems, and continuous water‑quality monitoring. The Law further mandates annual reports to the Legislative Assembly on regulatory progress, environmental impacts, and enforcement actions. Additionally, it empowers the State to develop public policies to support the Panga production chain, including credit lines, technical training, research, and innovation initiatives.

Brazil · 2025-12-17