From 1 October 2026, the full requirements for the labelling of food and feed will once again apply in Ukraine. Manufacturers and importers will be required to provide mandatory information in the state language, and the information on the packaging must accurately correspond to the actual composition of the products, including their formulation, nutritional value, and allergen information.

The relevant decision was adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, repealing the temporary exemptions introduced during the first months of the full-scale war. According to the Resolution, on 1 October 2026, Resolutions of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 186 and No. 234 of 2022 will cease to be effective. Consequently, manufacturers and importers will be required to fully comply with the requirements of the Laws of Ukraine “On Information for Consumers Regarding Food Products” and “On Feed Safety and Hygiene.”

In the spring of 2022, the Ukrainian market faced unprecedented challenges, including disruptions to logistics chains, blocked import routes, the suspension of business operations, and shortages of certain types of raw materials. To ensure the uninterrupted supply of food and feed, the Government temporarily simplified certain requirements for their labelling and packaging.

In particular, manufacturers were allowed to modify product formulations due to shortages of raw materials without immediately updating the packaging. Products labelled in a foreign language were permitted to be imported into Ukraine, while relocated enterprises were allowed to use remaining packaging materials from other manufacturers. These measures helped prevent production shutdowns and shortages of essential goods during the first months of the full-scale war.

In 2022, the temporary simplification of the requirements was necessary to prevent product shortages, support manufacturers, and maintain uninterrupted supplies under conditions of disrupted logistics and shortages of raw materials. Today, the market has adapted, while production processes and supply chains have stabilized, making it possible to return to the standard labelling requirements. Consumers must receive accurate information in the Ukrainian language regarding the composition, characteristics, and safety of products. This is the foundation of informed consumer choice, the protection of consumer rights, and fair competition in the market.

Following the restoration of the standard requirements, the following obligations will once again apply to manufacturers and importers:

• ensuring that all information on the label fully corresponds to the actual composition of the product. In particular, any changes to the formulation, nutritional value, or allergen information must be accurately reflected;
• the sale of imported food products and feed whose labelling does not comply with the requirements of the legislation, including labelling provided exclusively in a foreign language, will not be permitted;
• the possibility for relocated enterprises to use remaining packaging materials of other manufacturers will be abolished.

Products labelled under the simplified requirements established by Resolutions No. 186 and No. 234 will remain on the Ukrainian market until the end of their shelf life:

• food products – until the expiry of the minimum durability date or the “use by” date;
• feed – until the expiry of the minimum storage period.

The repeal of the temporary exemptions will also contribute to Ukraine’s fulfilment of its obligations under the Association Agreement with the European Union. Returning to the standard requirements will strengthen consumer protection, make the market more transparent, and enhance confidence in Ukrainian products both in Ukraine and abroad.

Source: https://me.gov.ua