The audit has become one of the key stages in the long-standing effort to lift restrictions on imports of Ukrainian poultry products, according to Agrotimes. If the results are positive, the Japanese side will be able to move forward with the process of lifting the current restrictions.
Ukraine already had access to the Japanese market: exports of poultry meat and poultry products were permitted in 2020, and table eggs in 2021. However, in the same year, after an outbreak of avian influenza was detected among wild birds, Japan suspended certification of Ukrainian products.
The State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection notes that Japan imposes high requirements on product safety and the state control system. Therefore, successfully passing the audit will not only be important for resuming exports but will also confirm the ability of Ukrainian producers to meet the requirements of one of the most demanding import markets.
