Ukraine could restrict wine imports from Moldova in response to restrictions on poultry exports

CHISINAU. March 3 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian government has prepared a draft resolution that envisages the introduction of licensing for the import of grapes, wine, and alcohol from Moldova, Ukrainian media reported, citing the Ukrainian cabinet's website.

"The government is developing a licensing regime for importing certain products from Moldova in response to restrictions on poultry exports. The purpose of the decision is to retaliate against discriminatory actions by the Moldovan side and to protect Ukraine's economic interests in accordance with international trade law," according to the statement.

The press release explains that the basis for restricting wine imports from Moldova was the decision of the National Food Safety Agency of Moldova (ANSA) in January this year to suspend temporarily the import of poultry meat, by-products, and products containing poultry from Ukraine. Moldova said that it has restricted the import of poultry products owing to the detection of metronidazole [an antibiotic used in human and veterinary medicine].

Kiev believes that "the notification to the WTO contained inaccurate information regarding the reasons for this decision, which creates the risk of unjustified restrictions on Ukrainian agricultural products being extended by other countries." The report mentions that poultry products from Ukraine are systematically supplied to the European Union and the UK.

The Ukrainian side said that state oversight and investigation were initiated immediately after receiving the signal from Moldova. "Based on the initial inspection, the presence of metronidazole was confirmed in only one feed sample, indicating the incident's non-systemic nature. However, no discrepancies were detected in the poultry meat itself," the cabinet emphasized.

The Moldovan of Agriculture and Food Industry Ministry on February 27 said that the embargo on Moldovan wine on the Ukrainian market is currently not in effect. The ministry described the discussions regarding product imports from Ukraine as being technical discussions.

Moldovan Statistics Service data indicate that the total value of the country's wine exports to Ukraine is approximately $2.5 million.