Entering foreign markets for Ukrainian food producers is a lengthy and multi-stage process that usually takes about a year. However, knowledge of the rules of the game significantly simplifies this path. This was reported by agronews.ua.
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At a regional dialogue between the Government and businesses in Myrhorod, the head of the State Control Department of the State Consumer Service of Ukraine, Mykola Bilus, detailed how this process looks in practice.
How exports begin
The first step is to contact the State Consumer Service, which sends a request to the competent authority of the importing country. In response, a detailed questionnaire is received – from five to 70 pages depending on the country. It contains statistical data on livestock, production of goods, exports, and imports. Based on this data, the importing country assesses whether Ukraine can actually produce the claimed volume from the available raw materials.
“Before sending anything anywhere, you must understand if you are even capable of doing it. Besides all the procedures, there is a moment when they can say: you have too much production, you are dumping our market,” Bilus warned.
After filling out the questionnaire, an inspection of the enterprise is carried out with mandatory prescriptions. According to the official, violations will always be found – and this is normal.
“They will definitely find something. Together with the inspectors, you determine the deadlines for rectification, draw up a plan, and approve it in the territorial authority. After completion, you write an application for an unscheduled event for confirmation,” he explained.
Bilus drew attention to the non-obvious advantage of small businesses in foreign markets.
“In my experience, it is easier for smaller producers to enter exports – provided all requirements are met. Large ones are feared: they can dump prices. This is exactly what happened when we opened access to Europe during the war and immediately…