Businesses report sharp increase in inspections of imported food products

23/ 06/ 2026

Member companies of the European Business Association report a significant increase in the number of physical inspections carried out on consignments of imported food products of non-animal origin. According to businesses, the share of physical inspections of goods classified under UCGFEA codes 2208, 2204 and 2205 has increased from approximately 5% to 50%. This has resulted in additional costs for importers, delays in customs clearance procedures, and longer timeframes for placing products on the market. According to companies, these changes followed the approval by the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection on 30 April 2026 of an updated Frequency of Documentary Checks, Physical Inspections and Laboratory Testing of Consignments Imported into the Customs Territory of Ukraine and Subject to State Control. In addition, the Methodological Recommendations on Determining Indicators for Laboratory Testing were updated on 12 May. During physical inspections, business operators also face sampling for laboratory testing, which entails additional costs related to conducting analyses and writing off products used as samples. This creates an additional administrative and financial burden, negatively affects the continuity of product supply to the Ukrainian market, and may impact the stability of tax revenues to the state budget. Businesses also point to inconsistencies between the regulatory documents regarding the frequency of laboratory testing. In particular, the Frequency document provides for laboratory testing of 3% of consignments under UCGFEA codes 2208, 2204 and 2205, whereas the Methodological Recommendations set this indicator at 5%. The business community is concerned by the lack of a clear justification for such a significant tightening of controls, particularly in relation to importers that consistently comply with food safety and quality requirements and have not committed any violations that would warrant a substantial increase in inspection frequency. The Association has addressed the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, requesting clarification of the rationale behind the increased inspection rates, an explanation of the risks and analytical findings that served as the basis for the adopted changes, guidance on the application of laboratory testing requirements, and consideration of revising the current approach based on risk assessment principles and the compliance history of market operators.

Member companies of the European Business Association report a significant increase in the number of physical inspections carried out on consignments of imported food products of non-animal origin.

According to businesses, the share of physical inspections of goods classified under UCGFEA codes 2208, 2204 and 2205 has increased from approximately 5% to 50%. This has resulted in additional costs for importers, delays in customs clearance procedures, and longer timeframes for placing products on the market.

According to companies, these changes followed the approval by the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection on 30 April 2026 of an updated Frequency of Documentary Checks, Physical Inspections and Laboratory Testing of Consignments Imported into the Customs Territory of Ukraine and Subject to State Control. In addition, the Methodological Recommendations on Determining Indicators for Laboratory Testing were updated on 12 May.

During physical inspections, business operators also face sampling for laboratory testing, which entails additional costs related to conducting analyses and writing off products used as samples. This creates an additional administrative and financial burden, negatively affects the continuity of product supply to the Ukrainian market, and may impact the stability of tax revenues to the state budget.

Businesses also point to inconsistencies between the regulatory documents regarding the frequency of laboratory testing. In particular, the Frequency document provides for laboratory testing of 3% of consignments under UCGFEA codes 2208, 2204 and 2205, whereas the Methodological Recommendations set this indicator at 5%.

The business community is concerned by the lack of a clear justification for such a significant tightening of controls, particularly in relation to importers that consistently comply with food safety and quality requirements and have not committed any violations that would warrant a substantial increase in inspection frequency.

The Association has addressed the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, requesting clarification of the rationale behind the increased inspection rates, an explanation of the risks and analytical findings that served as the basis for the adopted changes, guidance on the application of laboratory testing requirements, and consideration of revising the current approach based on risk assessment principles and the compliance history of market operators.