Ukraine tightens protection for regional agricultural products under new GI rules

Ukraine has completed a major overhaul of its geographical indications (GI) system, a move expected to strengthen protection for regional agricultural products and align the country’s food export rules more closely with the European Union.

According to a new FAIRS Geographical Indications Report published by USDA FAS Kyiv, Ukraine finalised most of its GI legislation between 2020 and 2025 under commitments linked to the EU Association Agreement.

The transition period allowing limited use of EU-protected geographical names expired on January 1, 2026, meaning all food and beverage products marketed in Ukraine must now comply with the updated framework.

For the fruit and vegetable industry, the updated system could increase the commercial value of region-specific produce by protecting names linked to origin, production methods, and local reputation. Geographical indications are commonly used in agricultural trade to distinguish products connected to specific growing regions and can help exporters position produce in premium market segments.

The report says Ukraine introduced several regulations to establish what it describes as a “sophisticated GI registration and control system”, based on the Law of Ukraine 752-XIV on the Legal Protection of Geographical Indications, which entered into force in 2020.

The USDA report notes that Ukraine now maintains a registry of recognised geographical indications, providing exporters and food producers with a formal system for protecting registered product names in the domestic market.

Read the full report here.

source and photo: fas.usda.gov