Ukraine Regulatory News

On 3 September 2024, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine announced that it is set to launch a ground-breaking pilot project aimed at implementing Extended Produce...

On 3 September 2024, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine announced that it is set to launch a ground-breaking pilot project aimed at implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes in the country. The initiative, developed in collaboration with the business community and local authorities, was announced following a recent meeting with members of the European Business Association.

Purpose of the Project

According to Yevhenia Popovych, Director of the Department of Digital Transformation, E-Government Services and Waste Management at the Ministry, the pilot project is a crucial step on Ukraine’s path towards European integration. It aims to bring business processes in line with European standards by allowing companies to test extended producer responsibility models. This will provide essential experience for the development of future waste management legislation.

Scope of the Pilot

The EPR project will explore new approaches to waste management, including packaging, electronic and electrical equipment, batteries and other categories. The initiative requires producers to take responsibility for the collection, recycling and disposal of their products once they have been used by consumers. Initially, participation will be voluntary, allowing companies to test the new system and gain experience in line with European standards.

Business Community's Response

During the meeting, major Ukrainian companies expressed their willingness to adopt new environmental standards, including packaging collection and recycling schemes. They provided a number of suggestions and concerns to be taken into account in the implementation of the pilot project.

Next Steps

The European Business Association will consolidate the suggestions of the business community and submit them to the Ministry for further consideration in refining the Government Resolution on the pilot project. This resolution will cover different types of waste, including packaging, electronic and electrical equipment and batteries.

On 21 August 2024, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine (MEPNR) announced that the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved the procedure for maintaining the S...

On 21 August 2024, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine (MEPNR) announced that the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved the procedure for maintaining the State Register of Chemicals. This is an important step towards alignment with European Union standards. This register will contain detailed information on all chemical substances produced, imported or sold in Ukraine in quantities exceeding one tonne per year. It will cover not only industrial chemicals but also those used in everyday products such as detergents, paints, clothing, furniture and electronics.

Database to Provide Information on Chemical Safety to Public

The creation of this register follows a public consultation process that ended on 12 August 2024, during which the draft resolution for the register was open for feedback from stakeholders.

According to Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, Olena Kramarenko, the mandatory registration of these substances is in line with the recently adopted Technical Regulation on the Safety of Chemical Products (also known as Ukraine-REACH), which implements the EU's REACH Regulation. The register, which will be accessible through the national EcoSystem platform, will be a publicly accessible database containing key information on chemical manufacturers, importers and suppliers, as well as details on the potential risks and safety measures associated with these substances.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has introduced a draft resolution entitled "On Approval of the Procedure for Maintaining the State Register of Chemicals" and opened it for public consultation unti...

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has introduced a draft resolution entitled "On Approval of the Procedure for Maintaining the State Register of Chemicals" and opened it for public consultation until 12 August 2024. This draft resolution represents a significant step towards improving chemical safety in Ukraine by aligning the country’s regulations with those of the European Union, in particular those set out in the REACH Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006). The draft resolution was developed in accordance with the requirements of Articles 9 and 39 of the Law of Ukraine "On Chemical Safety and Chemicals Management"

Purpose and Objectives

The main objective of the draft resolution is to approve the procedure for maintaining the State Register of Chemicals as part of the Ukrainian Chemical Safety Information System (EcoSystem). This Register will serve as a centralised database providing detailed information on hazardous chemicals present on the Ukrainian market. The initiative aims to protect public health and the environment by ensuring that key data on the identification, hazard classification and environmental impact of these chemicals are readily available to the public. More details about the system can be found here.

Alignment with European Standards

The draft resolution developed by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, harmonises the Ukrainian chemical safety framework with European legislation. By mirroring EU procedures and regulations, the resolution aims to meet Ukraine’s commitments to European integration and improve both domestic safety standards and international cooperation in chemicals management.

Public Consultation and Implementation

To ensure broad input and transparency, the Ministry published the draft resolution on its official website and opened it for public comment. Stakeholders, including individuals, legal entities and associations, have one month from the date of publication to submit their feedback. This public consultation process is an important part of refining the legislation to ensure that it effectively achieves its objectives. Comments and suggestions can be submitted through the Ministry’s official website or by direct communication with the relevant department until 12 August 2024.

Financial and Legal Considerations

Importantly, the implementation of this resolution will not require any additional financial expenditure from the state or local budgets. The draft is also designed to avoid any legal conflicts, including issues related to corruption or discrimination. It is expected to have a positive impact on public health and environmental protection without compromising equal rights and opportunities for all citizens.

Expected Outcomes

Once adopted, the resolution will significantly increase public awareness of chemical safety risks. By providing free access to detailed information on hazardous substances, the State Register will enable citizens, businesses, and authorities to make informed decisions on the use and management of chemicals. This initiative is a major step forward in Ukraine’s efforts to protect both its people and environment from the dangers posed by hazardous chemicals. Public participation in the consultation process is essential to ensure that the final resolution is both effective and responsive to the needs and concerns of all stakeholders.

On 23 July 2024, the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted Resolution No. 847, which introduces new Technical Regulations on the Safety of Chemical Products (also known as Ukraine-REACH or...

On 23 July 2024, the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted Resolution No. 847, which introduces new Technical Regulations on the Safety of Chemical Products (also known as Ukraine-REACH or UA-REACH). This Regulation, set to come into force on 23 January 2025, aims to enhance the safety and compliance standards for chemical products in the Ukrainian market. It requires the registration of all chemicals produced, imported or sold in Ukraine in quantities of more than one tonne per year (TPA).

Background and Alignment with EU Regulations

In December 2022, Ukraine adopted the Law ‘On Ensuring Chemical Safety and Management of Chemical Products’. This law, which entered into force on 29 June 2024, is the basis for building a national chemicals management system based on the European model and has created the foundation for further steps, including the implementation of two major EU technical regulations: CLP (Classification, Labelling, and Packaging) and REACH. The CLP Regulation was adopted on 10 May 2024 and will enter into force on 15 November 2024. With the introduction of UA-REACH, Ukraine continues to align its chemical safety standards with those of the European Union, marking significant progress towards EU membership.

Transitional Provisions for Chemical Products

The resolution outlines specific provisions for chemical products already available on the market before the new Regulation’s enforcement:

1. Market Availability: Chemical products that do not meet the new Technical Regulations can continue to be sold for one year from the date the resolution comes into force.

2. Registration Deadlines:

Pre-registration is expected to last for a year from the date of entry int force until 23 January 2026. The registration deadlines are set as follows:

The registration deadlines, originally proposed for 1 June 2025, 2026, and 2027, were extended following the public consultation for the Regulation.

Implementation and Compliance

The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources is tasked with ensuring the implementation of the new Technical Regulation.  In addition, all relevant ministries and central executive authorities must update their regulatory acts to align with this resolution.

The full text of the regulation and the official resolution containing the registration deadlines can be accessed here (in Ukrainian).

On July 23, 2024, the Ukrainian government approved the Technical Regulation on the Safety of Chemical Products (UA-REACH), which is in line with EU-REACH standards. The regulation aims to protect hum...

On July 23, 2024, the Ukrainian government approved the Technical Regulation on the Safety of Chemical Products (UA-REACH), which is in line with EU-REACH standards. The regulation aims to protect human health and the environment from the risks associated with chemical substances, while facilitating their free circulation on the market.

Mandatory Registration

This regulation requires the registration of all chemicals produced, imported or sold in Ukraine in quantities of more than one tonne per year. Registration ensure the creation of  a comprehensive database on chemical properties, risks, and safe use, which will be managed by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources.

Broad Scope and Goals

Deputy Minister Olena Kramarenko emphasized the broad scope of the regulation, which covers industrial and everyday chemicals. The long-term goal is to replace hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives, thereby improving the protection of human health and the environment.

Support and Background

In December 2022, Ukraine adopted the Law ‘On Ensuring Chemical Safety and Management of Chemical Products’. The law is the basis for building a national chemicals management system based on the European model and has created the foundation for further steps, including the implementation of the two major EU technical regulations: CLP (Classification, Labelling, and Packaging) and REACH. The CLP Regulation was adopted on 10 May 2024.

The development of UA-REACH was supported by OSCE projects in Ukraine as part of the project ‘Environmental Monitoring of the War Against Ukraine and Recovery Strategy.

On 19 June 2024, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources (MEPNR) of Ukraine announced that the Cabinet of Ministers has approved a new procedure for registering notifications us...

On 19 June 2024, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources (MEPNR) of Ukraine announced that the Cabinet of Ministers has approved a new procedure for registering notifications using alternative names for chemical substances. This initiative was developed to implement the Law "On Ensuring Chemical Safety and Management of Chemical Products”, and to align Ukrainian legislation with EU standards. In fact, this procedure is already in place in the EU under the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation.

New Procedure Protects Chemical Formulas

The new procedures allow companies to protect their unique chemical formulas from competitors by using alternative names. Companies must apply to the MEPNR through the national online platform EcoSystem. Approved applications will be entered into the State Register of Notifications on the Use of an Alternative Name of a Chemical Substance. Once approved, companies may use the alternative name of the chemical substance in the hazard information and safety data sheet of chemical products.

CLP in Ukraine

On 10 May, the Ukrainian Government adopted the Technical Regulation on the Hazard Classification, Labelling and Packaging Chemical Products. This document aligns Ukraine with the EU CLP Regulation, which implements the UN's Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. This Technical Regulation will enter into force on 15 November this year.

On 21 June 2024, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources (MEPNR) of Ukraine announced that the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved the procedure for the creation and op...

On 21 June 2024, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources (MEPNR) of Ukraine announced that the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved the procedure for the creation and operation of the Information System for Chemical Safety. This is an important step towards modernising regulatory oversight in Ukraine. The platform will be launched as part of the national online platform EcoSystem, which provides up-to date information on the state of the environment.

Services for Companies and Improved Public Access

The new information system will provide a range of administrative services for companies and open registers for public access. Companies will be able to:

• Submit documents for registration of chemical substances.

• Obtain permits for the use of poisonous and particularly hazardous chemicals that are withdrawn from the market.

• Notify authorities of the use of alternative names for chemical substances.

• Report on the hazard classification of chemical products.

In addition, the system will provide comprehensive information on:

• Chemical products, their market volumes and hazardous properties.

• Potential risks associated with the use of chemicals and related safety measures.

• Manufacturers, importers, and suppliers of chemical products.

• Chemical incidents and identified threats to chemical safety.

Meeting EU Integration Obligations

The initiative stems from Ukraine's commitment to harmonise its chemical safety regulations with EU standards, required by the Law on Ensuring Chemical Safety and Management of Chemical Products, which will come into force on 29 June 2024. This legislation sets the framework for the adoption key EU technical regulations, including CLP (Classification, Labelling, and Packaging) and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals).

CLP and REACH in Ukraine

On 10 May 2024, the Ukrainian government adopted the Technical Regulation for the Classification of Hazards, Labeling and Packaging of Chemical Products. The Technical Regulation will enter into force on 15 November 2024, except for some parts which will enter into force on 1 January 2025

Regarding the implementation of Ukraine-REACH, the MEPNR has already developed the draft Technical Regulation on the Safety of Chemical Products, which will be submitted to the Government for consideration in the near future.

The MEPNR recently announced the completion of the public consultation process on the draft resolution for Ukraine-REACH. A significant outcome of the public consultation is the MEPNR’s decision to revise the deadlines for registration under Ukraine-REACH, allowing industry additional time to prepare. The revised deadlines, based on the tonnage band are as follows:

• 1 October 2026 for tonnages over 1000 TPA

• 1 June 2028 for the 100-1000 TPA tonnage band.

• 1 March 2030 for the 1-100 TPA tonnage band.

Chemical products on the market before the entry into force of the Regulation that do not comply with all or some of the requirements of the Technical Regulation may continue to be sold for up to one year after entry into force of the Regulation.