Ukraine has introduced new animal welfare requirements for transport operations involving live animals, focusing on welfare during movement and related activities.
Ukraine Sets New Welfare Rules for Transporting Live Animals
Transporters must ensure specific space, ventilation, and temperature standards for livestock.
What changed
Transport conditions regulated for space, ventilation, and temperature.
Handling rules enforced to minimize stress and injury during movement.
HS codes 010110, 010190, 010210 are covered by the new order.
Who it affects
Live animal transporters must meet the new welfare standards.
Livestock handlers must follow protocols to reduce animal stress.
Compliance Requirements for Animal Welfare During Transport in Ukraine
Ukraine has introduced comprehensive new animal welfare requirements for the transport of live animals, aligning national legislation with European Union law and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) standards1. The Draft Order of the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine “On Approval of the Requirements for Ensuring Animal Welfare During Transport and Related Operations” establishes detailed procedures for transport operations, including route planning, space allowances, feeding/watering intervals, and certification of transport means.
Key Compliance Requirements
1. Scope and Applicability
- Applies to the transport of live animals within Ukraine, imported into, or exported from Ukraine, including:
- Horses, asses, mules, hinnies (HS code 0101)
- Bovine animals (HS code 0102)
- Swine (HS code 0103)
- Sheep and goats (HS code 0104)
- Poultry (HS code 0105)1.
- Covers all market operators involved in animal transport, ensuring equal and transparent conditions1.
2. Transport Planning and Route Requirements
- Route plans must account for:
- Journey duration and potential delays.
- Selection and preparation of transport means (e.g., vehicles, containers) to ensure animal welfare1.
- Journey logs must be maintained and authorized, documenting compliance with welfare standards1.
3. Animal Welfare Standards During Transport
- Space allowances: Sufficient space must be provided for each animal, with species-specific requirements1.
- Ventilation: Transport means must ensure adequate airflow rates to maintain animal health1.
- Feeding and watering:
- Short vs. long journeys:
- Authorization is required for both short and long journeys, with stricter controls for extended transport1.
4. Certification and Approval of Transport Means
- Certificates of approval are mandatory for all transport means used for animal carriage1.
- Withdrawal of certification may occur if transport means fail to meet welfare standards1.
- Competent authority (Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture) oversees issuance and compliance1.
5. Documentation and Record-Keeping
- Journey logs must be kept and submitted to authorities upon request1.
- Route plans must be pre-approved for long journeys1.
6. Alignment with International Standards
- The draft Order conforms to WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code (Section 7, Chapters 7.2, 7.3, 7.4)1.
- No deviations from international standards are reported1.
7. Supporting Legislation
- The draft Order supplements existing Ukrainian laws, including:
- Law of Ukraine “On Veterinary Medicine and Animal Welfare”
- Law of Ukraine “On State Control over Compliance with Legislation on Food, Feed, By-products of Animal Origin, Animal Health and Welfare”
- Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 1402 (16 November 2011) “On Approval of the Rules for Transportation of Animals”1.
Regulation Analysis Table
| Regulation | Key Requirement | Deadline/Threshold | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Draft Order on Animal Welfare During Transport1 | Route planning, space allowances, ventilation, feeding/watering intervals, and journey logs. | Entry into force upon publication. | Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture. |
| Certification of Transport Means1 | Mandatory approval for transport vehicles; withdrawal possible for non-compliance. | Not specified. | Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture. |
| Journey Authorization1 | Authorization required for short and long journeys. | Not specified. | Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture. |
| WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code (Section 7, Chapters 7.2–7.4)1 | Compliance with international animal welfare standards during transport. | N/A (international standard). | WOAH. |
| Resolution No. 1402 (2011)1 | Existing rules for animal transport (supplemented by the draft Order). | In force since 2011. | Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. |
Implementation Timeline
- Public consultation period: 60 days from circulation (until 3 July 2026)1.
- Entry into force: The Order will take effect on the date of its publication1.
- No transition period is specified for compliance1.
Summary Answer
Ukraine’s Draft Order of the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture “On Approval of the Requirements for Ensuring Animal Welfare During Transport and Related Operations” introduces stringent welfare standards for live animal transport, including route planning, space allowances, ventilation, feeding/watering intervals, and certification of transport means1. The regulation applies to domestic and international transport of specified livestock and poultry, aligning with WOAH standards and EU law1. Key obligations include journey logs, pre-approval of routes, and mandatory certification of transport vehicles, overseen by the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture1. The Order will enter into force upon publication, with a 60-day public consultation period ending 3 July 20261. Supporting legislation includes the Law of Ukraine “On Veterinary Medicine and Animal Welfare” and Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1402 (2011)1.
Sources
- ↩ Draft Order of the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine “On Approval of the Requirements for Ensuring Animal Welfare During Transport and Related Operations” https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=Q:/G/SPS/NUKR223R1.pdf&Open=True