ADAPTATION OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN FOOD PRODUCTS TO EU REQUIREMENTS AND GLOBAL FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS

Abstract

The article examines current trends in the adaptation of international food trade to the requirements of the European Union and global food safety standards under conditions of increasing competition, digitalization of trade processes, and transformation of global agri-food markets. It has been determined that Ukraine’s integration into the European economic area is accompanied by the need to harmonize national legislation with EU sanitary, phytosanitary, and technical regulations, improve food quality control systems, and strengthen the institutional framework of international trade. It is substantiated that compliance with international food safety standards is becoming a key prerequisite for enhancing the competitiveness of agri-food products in foreign markets and expanding Ukraine’s export potential.

The impact of non-tariff barriers, certification procedures, and product traceability requirements on the functioning of international food trade is analyzed. It is established that the modern model of international agri-food trade is shaped by stricter requirements for environmental responsibility of producers, digital traceability of supply chains, implementation of ESG-oriented approaches, and the development of electronic certification systems. Particular attention is paid to the role of digitalization of trade procedures, electronic document management, blockchain technologies, and digital platforms in ensuring transparency of international supply chains, reducing administrative costs for enterprises, and accelerating customs clearance procedures for export operations.

It has been proved that the adaptation of international food trade to global food safety standards requires comprehensive modernization of the state regulatory system, development of laboratory and certification infrastructure, improvement of customs and logistics procedures, and expansion of digital integration among agri-food market participants. It has been determined that important directions for increasing the efficiency of international trade include harmonization of the regulatory framework with international requirements, implementation of risk-based control mechanisms, support for exports of value-added products, and development of digital food traceability systems.

It is substantiated that the implementation of the proposed measures will contribute to increasing the competitiveness of Ukrainian agri-food products, strengthening food security, expanding access to international markets, and forming a modern model of international food trade in accordance with EU requirements and global food safety standards.