Ukraine preparing for ‘industrial visa-free regime’ with EU – Economy Ministry

Preparations for the Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products (ACAA), the so-called "industrial visa-free regime" with the European Union, were discussed during an interagency meeting at the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture of Ukraine.

The event was chaired by Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture of Ukraine Ihor Petrashko, the Government portal reported.

"An industrial visa-free regime is one of the key priorities of the president and the government. The agreement will open up huge new opportunities for Ukrainian producers and exporters. Therefore, the preparatory work for the conclusion of this agreement is extremely important and requires maximum coordination of efforts of all parties involved," Petrashko said.

Following the meeting, a working group was formed to participate in the negotiation process with European experts on the conclusion of the ACAA, which will be approved by the relevant order of the Economy Ministry.

On October 29, 2020, a preliminary assessment mission was launched by EU experts on the readiness of the Ukrainian quality infrastructure for the conclusion of the ACAA. So far, 15 online meetings have been held. The priority sectors of industrial products for "industrial visa-free regime" include low-voltage electrical equipment, electromagnetic compatibility of equipment, and machinery.

According to the plans, after the next meetings of the preliminary assessment mission in February-March, Ukraine will receive a report, which will begin a new important stage for the signing of the "industrial visa-free regime".

As Ukrinform reported, on December 11, 2020, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna said that Ukraine had agreed with the European Union to sign the Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products (ACAA) for certain types of value-added products.

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