Import restrictions on certain Ukrainian cereals and oilseeds
Published by AGRINFO on ; Revised
EU restricts imports of Ukrainian cereals and oilseeds in some EU Member States
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1100 of 5 June 2023 introducing preventive measures concerning certain products originating in Ukraine
Update
The EU is temporarily allowing quota-free and tariff-free import of Ukrainian agricultural goods. However, it is preventing the release of wheat, maize, rape and sunflower seeds from Ukraine onto the market in Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. This is intended to manage the increased imports of these products from Ukraine, and their effects on local farmers in EU Member States. Transit of these products through the five countries concerned, and release into the markets of other EU Member States, is still possible.
Impacted Products
wheat, maize, rape, sunflower seeds
What is changing?
In response to Russia’s attack against Ukraine in 2022, the European Union has provided quota-free and tariff-free import of Ukrainian agricultural goods since June 2022 (first under Regulation 2022/870, then under Regulation 2023/1077).
The EU is placing temporary limits on this trade. Under the new Regulation (2023/1100), wheat and meslin (CN customs code 1001), maize (1005), rape or colza seeds (1205) and sunflower seeds (1206) may not be released into the European market by customs authorities in Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania or Slovakia. These products may transit through these countries, and may be released onto the markets of the other EU Member States.
Why?
Liberalisation of agricultural trade with Ukraine has led to a surge in imports, creating considerable logistical problems including insufficient transport and storage capacity. Local farmers in the five listed Member States are also economically affected by the imports. The measures are intended to help EU farmers in the short term, while maintaining EU goals of preserving supplies to the rest of the world and preventing food price increases.
Timeline
The new trading conditions applied from 2 May 2023 (previously under Regulation (EU) 2023/903), and will continue to apply until 15 September 2023.
Background
The war between Russia and Ukraine has severely constrained trade through Ukraine’s Black Sea ports. By liberalising trade with Ukraine, the EU is supporting Ukraine’s economy and helping food supplies to reach other countries. The measures restricting trade in certain products respond to unilateral actions taken by Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia to stop imports from Ukraine.
Resources
Regulation (EU) 2023/1077 on temporary trade-liberalisation measures supplementing trade concessions applicable to Ukrainian products under the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part
Sources
Regulation (EU) 2023/1100 introducing preventive measures concerning certain products originating in Ukraine
Disclaimer: Under no circumstances shall COLEAD be liable for any loss, damage, liability or expense incurred or suffered that is claimed to have resulted from the use of information available on this website or any link to external sites. The use of the website is at the user’s sole risk and responsibility. This information platform was created and maintained with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents do not, however, reflect the views of the European Union.