Ukraine extends simplified labeling rules for imported food products

The Cabinet of Ministers has extended until April 1, 2027 the simplified requirements for labeling imported food products. Goods whose packaging information is not in Ukrainian may still be imported and sold in Ukraine subject to a number of conditions.

This was reported by the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection. The government amended Resolution No. 980 of the Cabinet of Ministers of July 29, 2026 and postponed the entry into force of the basic requirements.

Until April 1, 2027, prepackaged imported food products whose mandatory labeling information on the packaging or label is in a language other than the state language may be imported and sold in Ukraine.

However, this relaxation does not cancel the requirement to provide consumers with information in Ukrainian. Each batch of such products at all stages of the food chain must be accompanied by paper or electronic documents containing all mandatory information in accordance with Ukrainian legislation.

The seller is also obliged to provide this information in Ukrainian to the buyer free of charge before purchase.

The store may choose the method of providing data at its discretion. The information may be placed directly at the point of sale, provided via a QR code on the price tag or shelf, displayed on an electronic price tag or information terminal, published on the website or in a mobile application, or provided to the buyer in printed form.

Separate requirements apply to online trade. In distance selling, all mandatory information about the food product in Ukrainian must be available to the buyer before the purchase is completed.

Products that were placed on the market under the simplified rules before April 1, 2027 will not have to be withdrawn from sale after that date. They will be allowed to be sold until the expiration date or the use-by date indicated as “use by”.

The government also extended the simplified language labeling requirements for certain specialized products. This includes, in particular, baby food and medical nutrition imported into Ukraine as humanitarian aid by charitable and international organizations.

Thus, the decision gives importers and retail chains additional time to transition to general labeling requirements, while the obligation to provide the buyer with complete product information in Ukrainian remains.