Safe packaging for food products: a new law comes into force in Ukraine

On 19 November 2025, Law of Ukraine No. 2718-IX “On Materials and Articles Intended to Come into Contact with Foodstuffs” enters into force.

This law introduces modern European safety standards for all materials that come into contact with food products – from packaging, tableware, containers, and lids to equipment used in food production.

What Changes?

For the first time at the legislative level, clear safety requirements are established for food packaging and materials, which must not release harmful substances or foreign odours into products.

The law obliges manufacturers and importers to:

• Implement good manufacturing practice (GMP);
• Declare compliance of materials with established requirements;
• Control the migration of chemical substances from packaging into products;
• Conduct scientific risk assessments;
• Ensure proper labelling of packaging.

Transitional Period

Materials and articles produced before 19 November 2025 may remain in circulation until their expiry date.

“This means businesses will have time for a planned replacement of packaging, while consumers will gradually transition to safe materials. This approach will prevent shortages of packaging materials while ensuring compliance with safety requirements,” noted Serhii Tkachuk, Head of the State Service on Food Safety and Consumer Protection.

Why Is This Necessary?

The law aims to protect consumer health, harmonise Ukrainian standards with European Union norms, and guarantee that every package used for storing food is safe for human health.

Once these requirements are implemented, Ukrainian manufacturers will gain the opportunity to access European markets with packaging that meets civilised quality standards.

Safe packaging is not only about product quality but also about people’s health.

Step by step, Ukraine is introducing standards that apply in EU countries.