Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada on Tuesday adopted in the second reading and in general draft law No. 5448-d on principles and requirements for organic production, circulation and labeling of organic products.

Some 237 lawmakers voted in favor, 11 more than the required minimum of 226 votes.

The bill proposes a penalty for the sale of products with an organic state logo in the absence of a certificate for legal entities at the rate of eight minimum wages (mw), for natural persons in the amount of five mw.

The document proposes to oblige manufacturers to annually certify organic production to confirm compliance with the requirements of legislation in this area, declare the volume of organic products that are put into circulation, and agree on the labeling of organic products with the certification body.

Payment for services for certification by certification bodies is carried out on a contractual basis. The validity period of the certificate of organic production and turnover is 15 months from the date of its issue.

The purpose of the bill is to improve the legal framework for organic production, circulation and labeling of organic products, as well as harmonization of Ukrainian laws with the legislation of the European Union in this area.

It is expected that the implementation of the provisions of the law will help to increase the competitiveness of domestic organic products and expand foreign markets for its sale. In addition, it will guarantee consumers confidence in products labeled as organic, will have a positive impact on the protection of operators of the organic market from unfair competition, as well as provide transparent conditions for conducting economic activities in the production and circulation of organic products.