Ukraine Simplifies Import Procedures for Seed Samples

Dutch seed companies can now anticipate quicker approvals and less red tape when importing seed samples to Ukraine for research and breeding.

The seed industry in Ukraine is primarily regulated by the Law of Ukraine On Seeds and Planting Material and the Law of Ukraine On protection of rights to plant varieties. These laws establish the legal, organizational, and economic basis for the production, certification, and marketing of seeds and planting material, as well as the protection of plant breeders’ rights. The regulatory framework aims to ensure high-quality seed production, facilitate international trade, and promote innovation in plant breeding.

In a major advancement for international seed importers, the Ukrainian government has recently introduced a streamlined procedure for importing seed samples, according to a press release. Announced on September 11, 2024, this update is a key development aimed at boosting Ukraine’s agricultural sector and promoting global collaboration in plant breeding and research.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has revised the regulations for issuing, refusing, reissuing, and canceling import confirmations for seed and planting material samples. These updates aim to streamline the process of importing seed materials for research and breeding, addressing a long-standing industry need.

Highlights of the new procedure include:

1. Simplified documentation requirements for seed importers
2. Streamlined approval process, reducing bureaucratic hurdles
3. Enhanced transparency in the decision-making process
4. Provisions for expedited processing of urgent import requests

For international seed companies expanding into the Ukrainian market, these changes present a significant opportunity. The new regulations are anticipated to lower the time and costs associated with importing seed samples, potentially speeding up the introduction of new varieties into Ukrainian agriculture.

Additionally, this regulatory update supports Ukraine’s broader goal of aligning its agricultural policies with international standards, particularly those of the European Union. As Ukraine progresses toward EU integration, these measures are expected to create a more favorable environment for foreign seed companies seeking to establish a presence in the country.

Industry experts foresee that these changes could foster increased collaborative breeding projects between Ukrainian and international seed companies, driving innovation and potentially enhancing Ukraine’s agricultural productivity over the long term.

These changes reflect a broader shift in Ukraine’s agricultural policy. In June 2023, Ukraine introduced major regulatory updates in the seed sector with the adoption of Resolution No. 964. This resolution outlines the procedure for importing seeds and planting materials into Ukraine that are not listed in the Register of Plant Varieties of Ukraine but are included in the List of Plant Varieties of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, relevant to the certification schemes Ukraine has joined.

Additionally, Ukraine has been working to align its plant breeders’ rights (PBR) system with European standards. The Ukrainian PBR system now closely resembles the European model, requiring plant varieties to meet criteria for novelty, distinctiveness, uniformity, and stability (DUS).

These recent developments underscore Ukraine’s commitment to modernizing its agricultural sector and integrating with global markets. For international seed companies, this is an ideal time to explore or expand their presence in Ukraine’s promising agricultural market.

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