Honey and other bee products intended for human consumption are increasingly subject to fraud and adulteration, particularly through the addition of extraneous sugars. This issue is becoming more relevant as the quality of honey directly affects consumer health.
Issues with Adulteration
According to the European Commission, coordinated actions to control shipments of honey and bee products during importation into the EU have shown alarming results. Discrepancies were found in 46% of the shipments, and 57% of exporters from third countries were suspected of adulterating honey with extraneous sugars. This undermines trust in the products and poses a risk to consumer health.
New Requirements for Exporters
To improve the traceability of the supply chain for honey and bee products entering the market, the European Union is tightening control over exporters’ market operators. From November 30, 2024, honey and other bee products intended for human consumption can only be imported into the EU if they are dispatched, obtained, and/or manufactured at facilities listed by the competent authority of the exporting country.
Actions for Honey Producers in Ukraine
Ukrainian honey and bee product producers wishing to export their products to the EU must promptly contact the territorial body of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection. Market operators must ensure their facilities are included in the list of establishments authorized to export honey and bee products to the EU. This must be done a month before the planned export.
How Daleth Group Supports Honey Export
Daleth Group has extensive experience in customs clearance, enabling efficient and safe export operations. We provide full cargo support at all stages of transportation, from document preparation to the delivery of goods to their final destination. Our specialists will help you organize the logistics and customs clearance of honey to the EU in compliance with the new standards and requirements.
Conclusion
The new EU requirements for the import of honey and bee products aim to improve the quality and safety of the products. It is crucial for Ukrainian producers to prepare in advance for these changes and ensure their production facilities meet the new requirements. Daleth Group is ready to support producers in this process and provide reliable logistics and customs clearance for their products.
For more detailed information, you can visit the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine.