Ukraine intends to introduce licensing for imports of grapes, wine and alcohol from Moldova due to Moldova's suspension of poultry imports from Ukraine. This was announced by the Ministry of Economy, Ukrainian News Agency reports.
"The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine is preparing a draft resolution that envisages the introduction of a licensing regime for imports of grapes, wine and alcohol from the Republic of Moldova. The purpose of the decision is to apply measures in response to discriminatory actions by the Moldovan side and protect Ukraine's economic interests in accordance with the norms of international trade law," the report says.
The basis for this step was the decision of the National Food Safety Agency of the Republic of Moldova (ANSA) dated January 26, 2026 No. 48 on the temporary suspension of imports of poultry meat, offal and products containing poultry meat from Ukraine.
The Ministry of Economy notes that the notification to the WTO provided incorrect information regarding the reasons for such a decision, which creates risks of the spread of unjustified restrictions on Ukrainian agri-food products by other states.
"The Ukrainian side emphasizes that immediately after receiving the signal, state control and investigation were initiated. According to the results of the initial inspection, the presence of metronidazole was confirmed in only one feed sample, which indicates the non-systemic nature of the incident. At the same time, no discrepancies were recorded in the poultry meat itself," the ministry reports.
Deputy Minister of Economy Taras Vysotskyi stressed that Ukraine is attentive to any signals regarding food safety and proceeds from the principle of zero tolerance for prohibited substances.
"The restrictions introduced by the Moldovan side are disproportionate and extended to products for which no violations have been recorded. If such decisions are not revised on the basis of evidence-based results and scientifically based risk assessment, Ukraine will apply the instruments provided for by international agreements to protect its economic interests," he stressed.
The introduction of a licensing regime for imports of Moldovan wine and spirit products is considered a proportionate and legal response tool in the absence of a constructive review of the restrictions.
"Ukraine prioritizes dialogue, but reserves the right to take adequate steps to protect national producers and the stability of the agri-food sector," the Ministry of Economy emphasizes.
As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, in February, Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu paid an official visit to Ukraine.
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