Dutch seed companies can now expect faster approvals and reduced bureaucracy when importing to Ukraine seed samples for research and breeding purposes.
Legal framework
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.
Recent changes
In a significant move that promises to benefit international seed importers, the Ukrainian government has recently approved an improved procedure for importing seed samples into the country. This development, announced on September 11, 2024, marks a crucial step towards enhancing Ukraine's agricultural sector and fostering international cooperation in plant breeding and research.
Key Changes
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has amended the existing regulations governing the issuance, refusal, reissuance, and cancellation of import confirmations for seed and planting material samples. These changes are designed to optimize the process of importing seed materials for research and breeding purposes, addressing a long-standing need in the industry.
Highlights of the new procedure include:
- Simplified documentation requirements for seed importers
- Streamlined approval process, reducing bureaucratic hurdles
- Enhanced transparency in the decision-making process
- Provisions for expedited processing of urgent import requests
Opportunities for Dutch companies
For international seed companies expanding their activities on the Ukrainian market, these changes represent a significant opportunity. The new regulations are expected to reduce the time and costs associated with importing seed samples, potentially accelerating the introduction of new varieties to Ukrainian agricultural production.
Moreover, this regulatory update aligns with Ukraine's broader efforts to harmonize its agricultural policies with international standards, particularly those of the European Union. As Ukraine continues its path toward EU integration, such measures are likely to create a more favorable environment for foreign seed companies looking to expand their presence in the country.
Industry experts predict that these changes could lead to an increase in collaborative breeding projects between Ukrainian and international seed companies, fostering innovation and potentially boosting Ukraine's agricultural productivity in the long term.
These changes are part of a larger trend in Ukraine's agricultural policy. In June 2023, Ukraine introduced significant regulatory changes in the seed sector. The government of Ukraine adopted Resolution No. 964, which defines the procedure for importing into the territory of Ukraine seeds and planting materials that are not 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 for those certification schemes which Ukraine has joined. Read more
Furthermore, Ukraine has been actively aligning its plant breeders' rights (PBR) system with European standards. The Ukrainian PBR system now closely mirrors the European system, requiring plant varieties to meet novelty, distinctiveness, uniformity, and stability (DUS) criteria.
The recent changes demonstrate Ukraine's commitment to modernizing its agricultural sector and integrating with global markets. For international seed companies, this presents an opportune moment to explore or expand their presence in Ukraine's promising agricultural market.
Source: Agroberichten Buitenland.