EBA discusses import, state control and other business issues with the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection

16/ 07/ 2026

The European Business Association held a cross-committee meeting with Serhii Tkachuk, Head of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection (SSUFSCP), and the Service’s experts. During the meeting, participants discussed a broad range of issues currently affecting the business community. The discussion covered the possibility of importing pork and pork products from Spain, including jamón, as well as practical aspects of documentation required for exporting products. Particular attention was also paid to the seasonal sale of ready-to-eat food products, state control procedures, the first placing of food supplements on the market, and the notification procedure for infant food products. Representatives of alcoholic beverage importing companies raised concerns over a significant increase in the number of physical inspections during the import of non-animal food products. According to businesses, the share of such inspections for goods classified under UCG FEA (UKTZED) codes 2208, 2204 and 2205 has increased from approximately 5% to 50%, resulting in customs clearance delays and additional costs for importers. Participants noted that the increase in physical inspections is linked to the SSUFSCP’s recent update of the frequency of state control measures and methodological guidelines for laboratory testing. At the same time, businesses highlighted the additional financial burden associated with product sampling, as well as inconsistencies between regulatory documents regarding the frequency of laboratory testing. In response, the SSUFSCP explained that it continuously updates its inspection approaches in line with risk assessments and the practical application of legislation. In particular, on 17 June 2026, Order No. 1495 revised the frequency of state control of imported products in accordance with the risk-based approach applied in the European Union. Currently, the following state control measures apply to products under UCG FEA (UKTZED) codes 2204, 2205 and 2208: 100% – documentary checks; 5% – physical inspections; 3% – laboratory testing. Among other issues, participants discussed the possibility of developing joint checklists for businesses and regional market surveillance authorities. Such tools would help improve the effectiveness of inspections of non-food products, including household appliances and electronics, while ensuring a consistent approach to enforcement activities. The European Business Association thanks the leadership of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection for its openness to dialogue and constructive cooperation with the business community.

The discussion covered the possibility of importing pork and pork products from Spain, including jamón, as well as practical aspects of documentation required for exporting products. Particular attention was also paid to the seasonal sale of ready-to-eat food products, state control procedures, the first placing of food supplements on the market, and the notification procedure for infant food products.

Representatives of alcoholic beverage importing companies raised concerns over a significant increase in the number of physical inspections during the import of non-animal food products. According to businesses, the share of such inspections for goods classified under UCG FEA (UKTZED) codes 2208, 2204 and 2205 has increased from approximately 5% to 50%, resulting in customs clearance delays and additional costs for importers.

Participants noted that the increase in physical inspections is linked to the SSUFSCP’s recent update of the frequency of state control measures and methodological guidelines for laboratory testing. At the same time, businesses highlighted the additional financial burden associated with product sampling, as well as inconsistencies between regulatory documents regarding the frequency of laboratory testing.

In response, the SSUFSCP explained that it continuously updates its inspection approaches in line with risk assessments and the practical application of legislation. In particular, on 17 June 2026, Order No. 1495 revised the frequency of state control of imported products in accordance with the risk-based approach applied in the European Union.

Currently, the following state control measures apply to products under UCG FEA (UKTZED) codes 2204, 2205 and 2208:

100% – documentary checks;
5% – physical inspections;
3% – laboratory testing.

Among other issues, participants discussed the possibility of developing joint checklists for businesses and regional market surveillance authorities. Such tools would help improve the effectiveness of inspections of non-food products, including household appliances and electronics, while ensuring a consistent approach to enforcement activities.

The European Business Association thanks the leadership of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection for its openness to dialogue and constructive cooperation with the business community.