Analysis: How Ukraine wants to grow pet food exports to China

The State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection (SSUFSCP) is in discussions with China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) to expand agri-food exports to the country, including pet food.

GlobalPETS learned of a protocol between government agencies on quarantine and hygiene requirements for the export of Ukrainian pet food, which is undergoing internal approval by Ukrainian authorities. “After that, the document will be sent to the GACC for consideration,” says a government official.

A veterinary certificate will also be agreed upon, paving the way for Ukrainian pet food exporters to officially enter the Chinese market.

Requirements

Ukrainian producers wanting to export pet food into China must follow the strict regulations set by both local authorities and the GACC.

Manufacturers are expected to notify Ukraine’s State Service of Food Safety and Consumer Protection about the production capacities used for feed production to obtain state registration.

Additionally, exporting facilities must implement a health management system to ensure that raw pet food materials are free of “bovine spongiform encephalopathy, scrapie, foot and mouth disease, classical swine fever, African swine fever, porcine vesicular disease and highly pathogenic avian influenza.”

Producers must also ensure that raw materials are sourced from farms and slaughterhouses in GACC-approved areas that meet World Organization for Animal Health standards.

Boosting local economy

According to official data, at least 13 markets have been opened to export Ukrainian pet food. GlobalPETS has learned that the country is currently working on opening new markets in China, South Korea, Indonesia, Montenegro, Albania, Argentina and other countries.

“Exports increase the competitiveness of Ukrainian goods and services, help build international cooperation, diversify the economy and ensure its stable functioning and development and facilitate integration into the global economic system,” a government spokesperson says.

Growth of the export potential for Ukrainian producers also opens more job opportunities and increases foreign exchange earnings.

As of December 2024, there are 31 pet food producers among 495 facilities registered for the production and circulation of various agri-food products in Ukraine.