The Ministry of Health of Ukraine (MoH) approved the updated state sanitary rules and norms on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food products, harmonizing them with EU legislation. The amendments are stipulated by respective Order #1238 dated May 22, 2020.
The Order abolishes the outdated norms introducing new wording of previous MoH Order dated May 13, 2013. This wording was adapted to the requirements of the EU Regulation #1881/2006 in the framework of the implementation of EU–Ukraine Association Agreement Action Plan.
This step is essential not only for the fulfillment of Ukraine's international obligations but also in terms of elimination of trade barriers – resolving current trade restrictions with the EU countries caused by indicators' inconsistencies. For example, national regulations set stricter standards for certain types of leafy vegetables, which led to a ban on their import from the EU countries, where the requirements are more liberal and science-based.
The Order #12380 enters into force in 6 months after its official publication (excluding certain norms with an additional 3-years transition period).
Over the last few years, members of MoH Working Group on Food Safety Regulations – specialists of the Ministry, experts of scientific institutions and the EU technical assistance projects, as well as representatives of business associations, have been working on respective Draft Order. The American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine (the Chamber) was actively engaged in this process delivering the business community’s position and ensuring its incorporation.
We are grateful to the Ministry of Health for continuous cooperation and constructive dialogue for implementation of food legislation reform. The Chamber experts are ready for further work on other draft regulations of food products.
