Ukraine implements verification procedure for agricultural exports to neighbouring EU countries
In a significant development, the European Commission's decision on Ukrainian exports has prompted Ukraine to introduce a meticulous procedure for verifying the export of four major crops: wheat, rapeseed, corn, and sunflower, to five neighbouring EU countries. The announcement was made by Ukraine's Minister of Agricultural Policy, M. Solskyi, during a meeting with counterparts from Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia.
Market players have commented to Mintec that this move signifies a pivotal shift in Ukraine's agricultural export approach, emphasising the importance of collaboration and consent with its neighbouring EU countries. Under this new procedure, Ukraine will not export these products without the explicit consent of the concerned countries.
The outlined procedure dictates that Ukraine will issue export licenses within 30 days of receiving the export application. During this period, Ukraine will also notify the European Commission and the respective authorities of the importing country about the receipt of the export application. The Ukrainian government has already passed a resolution to enforce this procedure. Consequently, exports to the specified countries will not take place without their explicit approval.
Market participants and industry experts have expressed varied opinions on the potential impacts of this decision. While some believe it will foster stronger regional trade relationships and enhance cooperation, others are concerned about potential delays and administrative hurdles in the export process.
The implementation of this verification procedure reflects Ukraine's commitment to ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance in its agricultural exports, aligning with EU standards and regulations which had been a key complaint of the aforementioned countries that had allegedly held claims that Ukrainian goods had flooded the domestic markets.
