Japan resumes imports of Ukrainian poultry meat and eggs after five-year ban

Japan has decided to resume imports of Ukrainian poultry meat, eggs, and related products after a five-year suspension. The decision was adopted on October 16, 2026, according to Ukraine’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Japan, Yurii Lutovinov.

According to the diplomat, restoring access to the Japanese market opens up new opportunities for Ukrainian producers and will contribute to the development of bilateral trade. Japan is a promising destination for Ukrainian poultry exports, and the lifting of restrictions will allow Ukrainian companies to resume shipments after a prolonged interruption.

The decision followed cooperation between Ukrainian and Japanese authorities to assess veterinary control systems and food safety standards. In August 2026, Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) launched an online audit of Ukrainian enterprises and the national control system to evaluate the possibility of lifting the ban.

During a meeting with Eiji Tanaka, Deputy Director-General of MAFF’s Export and International Affairs Bureau, the Ukrainian ambassador expressed appreciation to the Japanese side for the decision. The parties also discussed further expanding access for Ukrainian agricultural products to the Japanese market and strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

The resumption of poultry meat and egg exports to Japan expands the geographical reach of Ukrainian livestock products and creates additional opportunities for producers. Future shipment volumes will depend on demand from Japanese importers, the competitiveness of Ukrainian products, and compliance with Japan’s veterinary and sanitary requirements.

Tags: export, chicken, Japan, eggs