The government of Ukraine has approved a new procedure for returning unsafe or unfit food products. This decision was adopted at a Cabinet of Ministers meeting on November 26, 2024.
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According to the new rules, the procedure will come into effect together with the updated version of the Law of Ukraine “On Consumer Protection.” The law will take effect after the termination or cancellation of martial law, as stated in its Final and Transitional Provisions.
Mechanism for consumer protection and support for businesses
Deputy Minister of Economy, Tetiana Berezhna, emphasized that the new procedure was developed in preparation for the adoption of the updated version of the “On Consumer Protection” Law. She noted that this mechanism will allow for more effective protection of consumer rights while simultaneously providing businesses with the ability to resolve issues with consumers quickly, without resorting to court proceedings. This will also offer additional security to honest businesses from inspections and create a reliable mechanism for resolving disputes.
Rules for returning and replacing food products
The new procedure provides consumers with the opportunity not only to replace unfit or unsafe food products but also to receive a refund for the return of such products. The procedure also sets clear deadlines for returning or replacing products.
Specifically, the document defines the following timeframes for returning or replacing products, starting from the moment of purchase:
- Within one day – for food products stored at a temperature of +6°C.
- No later than three calendar days – for products with a “use by” date or a minimum shelf life not exceeding 14 days, but in any case, before the expiration date.
- No later than 14 days from the date of purchase – for products with a shelf life exceeding 14 days.
Rules for remote purchases
For cases of food products purchased remotely (online shopping), the return and replacement periods begin from the moment the product is physically received by the buyer.
Thus, the new procedure for returning unsafe or unfit food products will significantly improve consumer rights protection by simplifying the process of returning and replacing goods for buyers, while also allowing businesses to resolve disputes quickly and without legal proceedings.
