They want to introduce criminal liability for counterfeit veterinary drugs

In Ukraine, it is proposed to strengthen the responsibility for the production and sale of counterfeit veterinary drugs. The Verkhovna Rada Committee on Agrarian and Land Policy recommended that the parliament adopt the relevant draft law No. 15413 as a basis.

The document provides for amendments to the Criminal Code of Ukraine and the introduction of criminal liability for the illegal circulation of counterfeit veterinary drugs.

What is proposed to be punished for

Criminal liability is planned to be established for intentional:

production and manufacture of counterfeit veterinary drugs;

purchase, transportation and shipment;
storage for the purpose of sale;
offer for sale or direct sale;
smuggling of such drugs.

In addition, the draft law provides for a new version of Article 321-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

It is proposed to extend its effect not only to counterfeit medicines for humans, but also to veterinary drugs and their active ingredients.

Why are the laws being changed?

The purpose of the draft law is to protect the legal market of veterinary drugs from counterfeiting, as well as to strengthen epizootic and food safety.

The proposed changes should also bring Ukrainian legislation closer to European Union standards and facilitate the implementation of Ukraine’s international obligations under the Medicrime Convention.

Currently, the draft law has only been recommended by the relevant committee for adoption as a basis. For the proposed changes to enter into force, the document must undergo further parliamentary procedure.