Ukraine took a step towards “industrial visa-free travel” with the EU: the Rada adopted an important law

**Ukraine takes a step towards “industrial visa-free travel” with the EU: the Rada adopts an important law**

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted in the second reading the European integration bill No. 12426, which harmonizes the system of state market surveillance and technical regulation with European standards. The document is one of the key stages on the way to signing the ACAA Agreement — the so-called “industrial visa-free travel” with the European Union.

The new law establishes the same requirements for the sale of goods both in physical stores and online. Its main goal is to strengthen consumer protection, minimize risks from dangerous non-food products, and create equal conditions for fair competition.

As explained by the Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Oleksiy Sobolev, the law closes the gaps that previously allowed the sale of products online without proper labeling, reliable information, or data about the seller.

Among the key innovations:

— extension of market surveillance to online trade and distance selling;
— expansion of liability not only for sellers, but also for marketplaces, online platforms and fulfillment companies;
— possibility of non-destructive control of products with return to the owner if violations are not confirmed;
— mandatory indication of contact information of the responsible entity on products;
— new rules for control of imported non-food products;
— strengthening of powers of market surveillance authorities in cases of potential threat to consumers.

The ACAA agreement provides for mutual recognition of certificates of conformity between Ukraine and the EU for industrial goods. At the first stage, this will apply to three sectors: low-voltage electrical equipment, electromagnetic compatibility and mechanical engineering.

After the Agreement enters into force, Ukrainian manufacturers will be able to export their products to the EU market without additional checks, which will significantly simplify trade, reduce business costs, and eliminate technical barriers.