Ukraine’s dairy sector proposes simpler EU trade rules for 2027

Ukraine’s dairy sector is proposing to simplify trade with the EU in 2027 by replacing the AGRIM import licensing system with a first come, first served (FCFS) mechanism for all dairy tariff-rate quotas. The proposal was presented by Infagro project partner Maksym Fastieiev during the Eucolait Autumn Meeting 2026 in Brussels.

According to Fastieiev, Ukraine’s dairy sector remains resilient despite the impact of the war. By the end of 2026, around 3.4 mln tons of raw milk are expected to be delivered for processing in Ukraine, exceeding the 2021 level.

At the same time, the share of higher value-added products in exports to the EU is increasing. Such products currently account for more than 30–40% of Ukraine’s total dairy exports to the European Union.

The existing AGRIM system requires import licenses, financial guarantees and additional administrative procedures. These requirements are particularly burdensome for finished dairy products, including condensed milk, packaged butter, milk and cream, which are often shipped in relatively small consignments.

The Ukrainian side proposes switching to the FCFS mechanism, which is already used under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. The change is expected to reduce financial guarantees and administrative costs and make dairy tariff quotas easier to use in 2027.

Tags: EU, Milk, dairy products, dairy sector, Ukraine