The official screening of national legislation against the legislation of the European Union was completed in September last year. Ukraine has demonstrated significant progress: out of approximately 29,000 acts of EU law, about 14,000 have already been fully or partially harmonized, while another 15,000 require adaptation. Successful completion of the screening opens the way for Ukraine to accelerated negotiations on accession to the EU.
Negotiating chapter 12 — food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policy — is one of the most complex and voluminous in this process. The screening results revealed that it requires harmonization with over 3,500 acts of EU law. The screening discussed animal health and welfare, official control, biosafety, human nutrition, pesticides, GMOs and other issues.
What has already been implemented
Among the key achievements is the implementation of the HACCP system, which obliges market operators to independently develop and apply the principles of food safety control. Traceability requirements have also been established - operators are obliged to ensure it at all stages of production and circulation of products.The law on materials and objects intended for contact with food products has come into force since November 2025. After the active work of specialized associations, significant simplifications have been achieved: the results of research conducted in the EU are recognized, and the declaration of conformity can be obtained directly from a European market operator without additional registration in Ukraine.
Significant simplifications are already in effect for small enterprises. The concepts of “small capacity” and “artisanal food product” have been introduced - for those who produce up to 1000 kg or liters per week using a unique recipe and Ukrainian ingredients. Such producers are exempt from the obligation to obtain an operating permit - it is enough to register for free through "Diya" within 10 days without any inspection.
Source: agronews.ua
