Japan moves closer to resuming imports of poultry meat and eggs from Ukraine

Ukraine has come closer to resuming exports of poultry meat, products made from it, and table eggs to Japan. Japanese specialists conducted an online audit of the Ukrainian state control system and of enterprises accredited for supplying these products to the Japanese market.

This was reported by the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection.

The inspection was carried out by representatives of Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). In the State Service, the audit was described as one of the key stages of multi-year work to restore trade.

Japanese specialists are assessing the Ukrainian state control system and the operation of production facilities accredited for export to Japan. The Ukrainian side, for its part, provides clarifications regarding the organization of control and practical implementation of the requirements of the importing country.

In the event of positive audit results, Japan's competent authority will be able to proceed with the procedure for lifting the current restrictions on imports of Ukrainian poultry products.

Supplies were suspended in 2021

Ukraine already had access to the Japanese market. Exports of Ukrainian poultry meat and products made from it were opened in 2020, and table eggs in 2021.

However, after an outbreak of avian influenza among wild birds was registered in 2021, the Japanese side suspended certification of products from Ukraine. The restrictions applied to poultry meat, processed products, and table eggs.

Since then, the State Service and the Japanese ministry have held consultations to restore trade. Ukraine provided the Japanese side with questionnaires and additional data on the state control system, and the issue of returning Ukrainian products to the market was repeatedly discussed during bilateral meetings and General Sessions of the World Organization for Animal Health.

Preparation for the current inspection included a pilot online audit on September 28-29, 2025, conducted by Japan's International Animal Health Affairs Office. On that occasion, the parties practiced the remote inspection mechanism necessary for the procedure of lifting restrictions.

"The current audit is an important step toward lifting restrictions and resuming exports of poultry meat and products made from it to Japan", - noted Oleh Osiyan, First Deputy Head of the State Service.

The service emphasizes that the Japanese market has high requirements for food safety and state control. Therefore, a positive audit result is important not only for returning Ukrainian goods to a specific market, but also for confirming the ability of Ukrainian producers to work in accordance with the stringent requirements of importing countries.

Based on materials from: State Service