By KYIV. Nov 1 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Imports to Ukraine of foreign alcoholic products labeled "Cognac" have been suspended since November 1, 2022, as this name no longer meets the technical conditions for this drink, provided for by the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement.
As reported on the website of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine on Tuesday, this agreement, which entered into force on September 1, 2017, provides for mutual protection between the countries of a certain number of geographical indications (GI) in Ukraine, among which there is Cognac.
Thus, from November 1, the use of the name "Cognac" in Ukraine for products originating from third countries no longer meets the technical requirements for the production of the drink "Cognac" and is now prohibited on the territory of Ukraine.
It is recalled that on January 24, 2022, as a result of the adoption of new regulations that include GI protection, the name "Cognac" was included in the customs register, which is a prerequisite for the introduction of GI protection on the territory of Ukraine.
In addition, a transitional period has been established so that importers can change the labels on their products to comply with this GI. The transitional period has been extended until October 31, 2022 (inclusive), taking into account the aggression of the Russian Federation and the imposition of martial law in Ukraine.
"Starting from November 1, 2022, the Ukrvynprom Corporation, together with BNIC, is responsible for the protection of the State Institution Cognac in the country and abroad and will take the necessary measures against products imported and presented under the name Cognac if they do not meet the technical conditions established for this GI in accordance with the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement," the Ministry of Agrarian Policy said.
