Ukraine considers licensing imports of three Moldovan products in response to poultry ban

Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers is preparing a response to trade restrictions imposed by Moldova. Kyiv may introduce import licensing requirements for Moldovan wine, grapes and ethyl alcohol, according to a statement from the Ministry of Economy. The move is being considered as a reaction to Moldova’s ban on Ukrainian poultry imports.

The draft resolution implies that imports of these products from Moldova would be allowed only under a licensing regime. The government says the measure is intended to protect Ukrainian producers and respond proportionally to Moldova’s actions.

The dispute stems from a decision by Moldova’s National Food Safety Agency, which suspended imports of Ukrainian poultry meat and related products at the end of January. Ukrainian officials note that the notification submitted to the World Trade Organization (WTO) allegedly described the grounds for the restrictions inaccurately, potentially creating risks for Ukrainian agricultural exports to other markets.

Ukraine conducted its own inspection and found that the prohibited substance metronidazole was detected in only one feed sample, describing it as an isolated case. No violations were identified in the poultry meat itself.

According to Deputy Minister of Economy Taras Vysotskyi, Ukraine maintains high safety standards, and its products are regularly exported to demanding markets such as the EU and the United Kingdom. He characterized Moldova’s restrictions as disproportionate.

The government stressed that licensing Moldovan imports is one of several possible steps should negotiations fail to resolve the issue. Ukraine says it seeks dialogue but stands ready to defend its economic interests.