New Measures for GMO Regulation in Ukraine

The Ukrainian government has approved a new procedure for managing the register of genetically modified organisms, aimed at improving consumer safety.

This was announced by the press service of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food.

The new registry is set to become a unified state information system that will allow for the accounting, monitoring, and storage of data regarding all registered GMOs in Ukraine.

The ministry explained that implementing such a registry is a necessary step to ensure transparency in the biotechnology sector, enhance consumer safety, and fulfill Ukraine's obligations under the EU Association Agreement.

Additionally, the regulation aligns Ukrainian legislation with EU acts concerning GMO management, specifically Directive 2001/18/EC regarding the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms into the environment and Commission Decision 2004/204/EC on the operation of registers for recording information on GMOs.

This will enable the establishment of a regulated system for tracking and controlling GMOs, thereby reducing negative impacts and risks to human health and the environment.

The regulation will come into effect in September 2026, simultaneously with a new specialized law regulating genetic engineering activities in Ukraine.