Reference source : WTO
Ukraine WTO Plastics Regulation Single Use Plastic EU Harmonization Plastic Waste Plastics Labelling Recycled Plastics Compliance Packaging Environmental Compliance Plastics Recycling
On 18 June 2026, Ukraine officially notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of the draft law of Ukraine, “On the Reduction of the Impact of Plastic Products on the Environment”.
The draft law lays down the legal and organizational framework for reducing the negative environmental and human health impacts of certain types of plastic products. It also aims to support Ukraine’s transition toward a circular economy by introducing measures to prevent and reduce waste generated from the use of such products.
The proposed legislation has been developed on the basis of Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment. It also takes into account the need for transitional periods to allow economic operators to adapt to the new requirements.
Scope and Market Relevance
The draft Law applies to certain plastic products placed or made available on the Ukrainian market, including certain single-use plastic products, oxo-degradable plastic products, and fishing gear containing plastic.
The proposed framework establishes requirements governing the production, import, placing on the market and making available on the market of covered plastic products.
These changes are particularly relevant for manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, packaging suppliers, food and beverage companies, consumer goods companies and suppliers of fishing gear containing plastic.
Key Regulatory Measures Proposed
1. Reduction of Single-Use Plastic Consumption
The draft law introduces measures aimed at reducing the consumption of certain single-use plastic products. This reflects a broader policy approach that is not only focused on restricting certain products, but also on preventing waste generation and encouraging more sustainable consumption patterns.
2. Restrictions on Certain Plastic Products
The proposal provides for restrictions on the production and placing on the market of certain single-use plastic products and oxo-degradable plastic products. These measures are intended to reduce the environmental impact of plastic products that contribute to pollution and are difficult to manage within existing waste systems.
3. Product Design Requirements for Caps and Lids
Single-use plastic products with plastic caps and lids may be placed on the market only if the caps and lids remain attached to the container during the product’s intended use. This requirement is intended to reduce littering and improve the collection of plastic waste by ensuring that the caps and lids remain connected to the product throughout its use and disposal.
4. Recycled Plastic Content in Beverage Bottles
The draft law establishes targets for the recycled plastic content in plastic beverage bottles. This measure supports the objectives of the circular economy by encouraging the use of recycled materials and reducing dependence on virgin plastic. Companies placing plastic beverage bottles on the Ukrainian market may need to assess the recycled content, supplier documentation and material traceability.
5. Labelling Requirements and Consumer Information
The proposed legislation introduces labelling requirements for certain single-use plastic products, as well as measures to inform consumers and encourage responsible consumer behaviour.
These requirements are intended to improve consumer awareness of the presence of plastic in products, appropriate waste management practices, and the environmental impact of improper disposal.
6. Extended Producer Responsibility and Separate Collection
The draft law provides for the establishment of extended producer responsibility schemes for certain single-use plastic products, as well as for fishing gear containing plastic placed on the market.
It also introduces provisions for the separate collection of plastic beverage bottles. Together, these measures are intended to boost recycling rates, enhance waste management systems and support the recovery of plastic materials for further use.
7. Reporting, Record-Keeping and Liability
The future framework includes reporting and record-keeping requirements, as well as liability for non-compliance.
Companies may therefore need to prepare internal systems for documentation, compliance monitoring and reporting once the final law is adopted.
Objectives and Expected Impact
The proposed framework aims to reduce the negative environmental impact of certain plastic products, protect human health and safety, reduce waste from single-use plastic products and support the transition to a circular economy.
It also seeks to align Ukrainian legislation with EU environmental and product compliance requirements, introduce extended producer responsibility for certain plastic products, improve consumer information and strengthen separate collection systems.
The future legislation may significantly impact businesses that place plastic products, plastic packaging or plastic-containing products on the Ukrainian market.
Business Impact and Recommended Actions
Companies operating in Ukraine or exporting relevant plastic products to the Ukrainian market should monitor the legislative process and assess whether their products fall within the scope of the proposed rules.
At this stage, businesses should consider reviewing their product portfolios for single-use plastic products and identifying those containing oxo-degradable plastic. They should also assess the requirements for plastic beverage bottles and their caps/lids and check the potential impacts related to recycled content, labelling, extended producer responsibility, reporting and record-keeping.
Although the proposal has not yet been adopted, early assessment can help companies prepare for future obligations and reduce the risk of market access challenges once the framework enters into force.
Legislative Context
The proposed legislation is linked to Ukraine’s broader environmental, waste management and product compliance framework, including:
This initiative has also been prepared in the context of Ukraine’s implementation of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and its status as a candidate country for European Union membership. The Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine is the responsible agency for this regulatory initiative.
WTO Notification and International Alignment
The WTO notification reflects Ukraine’s intention to introduce an EU-aligned regulatory framework for certain plastic products. The draft law is intended to address issues that were not fully covered in earlier legislative proposals on single-use plastic products in Ukraine.
Unlike earlier draft legislation, which focused primarily on prohibitions and labelling, the current proposal introduces a broader framework covering consumption reduction, market restrictions, product design, recycled content, labelling, extended producer responsibility, separate collection, consumer information, reporting and liability.
Implementation Timeline
The proposed date of adoption has not yet been determined.
The date of entry into force has also not yet been determined. According to the WTO notification, the law would enter into force on the day after its official publication, with certain provisions taking effect six months later.
Some provisions are expected to take effect one, two, three, four, or seven years after the law enters into force, depending on the relevant obligation. Certain requirements relating to plastic beverage bottles are linked to 1 January 2030 and 1 January 2035.
The phased implementation approach is intended to give economic operators time to adapt to the proposed requirements.
Comment Period
The final date for comments is 17 August 2026, which provides a 60-day comment period from the date of notification. Comments should be submitted through the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, Department of International Trade Policy.
Conclusion
Ukraine’s WTO notification of the draft law “On the Reduction of the Impact of Plastic Products on the Environment” is an important step toward introducing an EU-aligned regulatory framework for certain plastic products.
The proposal reflects Ukraine’s broader efforts to strengthen waste prevention, reduce plastic pollution, support circular economy principles and align national legislation with EU requirements.
Businesses involved in the production, import, distribution or sale of plastic products in Ukraine should closely monitor the legislative process and begin assessing the potential compliance impact of the proposed framework.