The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has adopted at first reading a deputy bill, which proposes introducing a fine for selling organic food with a national logo without a certificate in the amount of eight minimum wages for legal entities and five minimum wages for individuals.
According to an Interfax-Ukraine reporter, 251 MPs supported the respective decision at a plenary meeting of parliament on April 19.
Bill No. 5448-d on the key principles and requirements to organic production, organic food flow and labeling proposes to oblige manufacturers to annually certify organic production to confirm compliance with the requirements of legislation in the field of organic production, declare the volume of organic products that are put into circulation and agree on the labeling of organic products with the certification agency.
Certification services provided by certification agencies are paid on a contractual basis. The validity period of the organic production certificate and food turnover is 15 months from the date of its issue.
The bill is intended to improve the legislation for organic production, flow and labeling of organic products, as well as harmonization of Ukrainian legislation with the legislation of the European Union in this area.
It is expected that the implementation of the provisions of the bill will help increase the competitiveness of domestic organic products and expand foreign markets for its sale. In addition, it will guarantee consumer confidence in products labeled as organic, have a positive impact on the protection of operators of the organic market from unfair competition, as well as provide transparent conditions for conducting economic activities in the production and circulation of organic products.
