Government approves procedure for auditing authorised laboratories in the plant protection sector

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved the Procedure for Auditing Authorised Laboratories in the Plant Protection Sector. The decision completes the regulatory framework for implementing the Law of Ukraine “On State Regulation of the Plant Protection Sector”, introduces uniform rules for assessing the performance of authorised laboratories, and brings Ukraine’s state control system closer to European standards.

The Procedure establishes the mechanism under which the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection will audit authorised laboratories that carry out laboratory testing and/or sample collection for the purposes of official controls and other official activities. It introduces a uniform approach to assessing their performance, helping to improve the quality of laboratory testing, increase the transparency of procedures, and ensure the proper fulfilment of the functions delegated to laboratories by the state.

The new rules will strengthen the country’s phytosanitary security, improve the reliability of laboratory test results, reinforce international partners’ confidence in Ukrainian phytosanitary certificates, and create additional opportunities for opening new export markets.

“Harmonising the state control system with European Union legislation is one of the key priorities of the reform of the plant protection sector. Introducing a transparent mechanism for auditing authorised laboratories will improve the quality of official controls, strengthen confidence in Ukrainian phytosanitary certificates, and help expand export opportunities for Ukrainian producers,” said Taras Vysotskyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.

The Resolution will enter into force simultaneously with the Law of Ukraine “On State Regulation of the Plant Protection Sector” on 17 January 2028. This will ensure the timely introduction of the new model of state control in the plant protection sector in line with European requirements.