As noted in the Ministry of Agriculture, the purpose of the project is to bring the regulatory framework in line with current legislation, as well as to establish clear rules of the game for producers and sellers of meat products.
In particular, new definitions are introduced for a number of meat products and the norms for their composition and characteristics are updated. Requirements for the sterility of canned products, the quality of water used in production and packaging materials are also being strengthened.
The Ministry of Agriculture emphasized that these measures are necessary against the background of growing competition in the domestic market.
Thus, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, in the period from 2021 to 2023, imports of sausages increased by 50.6%; imports of chilled, frozen, dried and smoked lard and fat increased by 29%; imports of dried meat increased by 64.7%; imports of canned meat increased by 15% (but fell by 35% in 2023).
Increased supply of lower quality products complicates the position of local producers, whose costs are higher.
The bill was discussed with the industry in October 2024 and January 2025. At the same time, the business community supported the initiative, emphasizing that the new requirements will simplify compliance with standards and will not create additional costs for processors.
The new rules will come into force three months after their publication. During this time, producers will be able to adapt formulations, update labels and customize the production process.
