Romania tightens regulations on Ukrainian poultry

Romania on Ukraine eggs

Romania has expanded its list of imports from Ukraine that require a license to enter the country, following complaints from local farmers about the low prices of Ukrainian agricultural products. This decision, announced on Wednesday, aims to protect Romanian producers from what they describe as unfair competition.

Addressing concerns of local producers

Romanian poultry producers are facing significant challenges due to imports of eggs and poultry meat from Ukraine, which are sold at prices substantially below Romanian production costs. Agriculture Minister Florin Barbu highlighted the issue during a government meeting, stating that these imports pose a “serious problem” for the domestic poultry industry.

In response, the Romanian government has decided to add eggs and poultry meat to the list of products that can only be imported from Ukraine with a license. “It is our duty to protect Romanian production,” Barbu explained.

Broader impact on agricultural imports

In addition to eggs and poultry, the updated licensing requirements also apply to cereals, seeds, flour, and sugar. As a member of the European Union, Romania is bound by specific production requirements that contribute to higher costs—approximately 30% more than in Ukraine, according to Barbu.

He clarified that this licensing measure does not constitute a ban on Ukrainian imports. “We made this licensing decision to ensure that when the food industry needs these products, and Romania isn’t fully self-sufficient, only Romanian processors can import them under a license,” he stated.

Context of import licenses

The tightening of import regulations follows the European Commission’s decision not to extend the ban on Ukrainian grain imports to five neighboring EU countries — Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary—in September 2023.

In response, Romania introduced import licenses for grains and oilseeds from Ukraine and Moldova, a measure initially implemented in October of the previous year.

Under the current framework, only Romanian companies involved in oil and fat production, milling, animal feed production, and animal husbandry are authorized to import agricultural products from Ukraine or Moldova, reflecting a broader trend among EU member states to balance domestic agricultural interests with commitments to free trade.