The Verkhovna Rada has legalized the production of GMO products in Ukraine

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has voted and sent to the President for signature the draft Law of Ukraine “On State Regulation of Genetic Engineering Activity and State Control Over the Circulation of Genetically Modified Organisms and Genetically Modified Products for Ensuring Food Security” #5839.

This was reported on the Ukrainian parliament’s website.

The adoption of the GMO law is an EU requirement and was necessary for Ukraine to fulfill its international obligations in accordance with Article 64 of the Association Agreement and to establish regulatory alignment with the EU by implementing relevant EU acts into Ukrainian legislation.

The law is intended to:

1. delineate the powers of state authorities to eliminate duplication of functions in the field of GMO handling;
2. enhance the risk assessment system of GMOs regarding potential impacts on human health and the natural environment;
3. implement European mechanisms for state registration of GMOs;
4. improve labeling requirements for GM products and introduce traceability rules;
5. strengthen state control in the field of GMO handling and establish responsibility for violations of legislation in this area.

However, experts note that the norms of the draft law are conceptually different from the approaches used in the European Union and do not consider the fundamental aspects of EU regulation, such as the directive that defines safety criteria for GMOs for human health and the environment.

At the same time, the entire GMO discussion in Ukraine has largely focused on cultivation, ignoring public and consumer opinions, economic feasibility, and reputational risks.