Ukrainian Parliament approves key bill harmonizing standards with EU

The Verkhovna Rada has approved in the second reading and in full a bill, which amends Ukrainian laws to harmonize the accreditation of conformity assessment bodies and the technical regulation system with European Union standards.

According to a live broadcast of the parliamentary session on April 7, 278 MPs voted in favor, with no votes against and 19 abstentions, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

The bill was developed by the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture in collaboration with business groups, industry associations, the expert community, and international partners. Lawmakers describe it as a crucial step toward concluding the ACAA Agreement, establishing an “industrial visa-free” regime for Ukrainian products in EU markets.

According to the explanatory note, the legislation aligns Ukrainian accreditation and technical regulation laws with European norms and introduces mutual recognition of accreditation between Ukraine and the EU. Ukrainian authorities will recognize EU-accredited results if they pass a mutual evaluation. Products made by Ukrainian manufacturers using EU-identical harmonized standards will automatically be deemed compliant with European requirements.

The bill also strengthens business accountability for accurate product information, establishes rules for coordination with the European Commission and EU authorities under the ACAA Agreement, ensures balanced stakeholder representation in the National Accreditation Agency, and sets conditions for cross-border accreditation.

The legislation was first considered in the first reading on March 26, 2025, when it received support from 286 MPs, highlighting broad parliamentary backing for Ukraine’s ongoing integration into the EU industrial market.

By Vafa Guliyeva