Transition period applies to packaged goods with foreign labels
Until April 1, 2027, the sale of packaged imported foods labelled in a foreign language is permitted in Ukraine provided complete information in Ukrainian is included in accompanying documents. This is stated in Cabinet of Ministers resolution No. 1167 of September 23, 2026. This was reported by Glavcom citing the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
The mechanism introduced by the government provides a temporary exemption within the updated food labelling rules. The main provisions of the respective resolution come into force in the spring of next year.
Import sales conditions
During the transition period, such goods may be sold on the domestic market provided complete information in Ukrainian is available in paper or electronic accompanying documents. Consumers must have free access to this information at all stages of the food chain prior to purchasing the product.
In case of distance selling, the required data must also be provided to buyers in advance. The only exceptions are information on the minimum shelf life or the use-by date.
Restrictions after April 1
Upon the expiration of the transition period, the import of new batches without mandatory information in the state language on the packaging will be halted. At the same time, products put into circulation earlier will not be automatically withdrawn from retail networks until their shelf life expires.
Separate regulations apply to baby food and foods for special medical purposes. They are allowed to be imported as humanitarian aid during martial law regardless of the labelling language.
Photo: Glavcom
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