The EU Council has removed all additional inspections for beet, sunflower, rapeseed, and soybean seeds from Ukraine, recognizing that Ukrainian certification procedures comply with EU requirements. Consequently, seeds of these types produced in Ukraine and Moldova will be allowed to enter the EU market.
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Seeds Ukraine
As a result, EU-based companies will have the opportunity to diversify their seed production areas. This move aims to ensure a continuous supply of high-quality seeds to European countries. Thanks to the EU's decision, Ukrainian producers will gain full access to the EU market, thereby strengthening Ukraine's export position. The decision will take effect 20 days after publication. Meanwhile, EU Ambassador to Ukraine Kateryna Maternova expresses hope that the EU and Ukraine will finalize an agreement on new trade conditions by the end of summer. While discussing the reasons for abolishing the trade visa-free regime, the diplomat noted that the preferences were initially introduced due to the blockage of sea exports. She also indirectly acknowledged the political motivations behind the removal of Ukraine's trade preferences. Source: UKRAINE MEDIA GROUP
On 12 June, the EU Council adopted a decision granting equivalence with EU requirements to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova concerning field inspections and seed production standards.
In particular, the decision grants equivalence for seed of beet, sunflower, swede rape and soya bean produced and certified in Ukraine and for seed of fodder plants produced in the Republic of Moldova and officially certified by its authorities, as well as to the relevant field inspections that are carried out.
The equivalence confirms that the national procedures of the two countries offer the same guarantees for the seed characteristics and the rules for examination, seed identification and control as those applicable to seed harvested in the EU.
In line with the decision adopted today, seed from these species produced in Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova will be able to enter the EU market. In turn, this means that EU-based companies will be able to diversify their seed production areas. The new rules will also contribute to maintaining the continuous supply of high-quality seed in the EU.
The decision is a technical implementation of existing requirements and amends decision 2003/17/EC, which grants certain non-EU countries equivalence as regards field inspections and the production of seed of certain species.
The decision will enter into force twenty days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.