Bill No. 15356, which prohibits the use of the Russian language in the labelling of goods and services, has been registered with the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Labelling in other foreign languages remains permitted.
- Bill No. 15356 prohibits the use of Russian labelling on goods.
- The translation of this information into other foreign languages is permitted.
- The ban will apply to labels, menus, advertisements and instructions.
- The amendments may come into force once they have been signed by the President.
- Manufacturers will have to adapt their packaging and promotional materials.
Language policy as part of national security
The following has been registered with the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Bill No. 15356, which prohibits the use of the Russian language on the labelling of goods, foodstuffs and animal feed, as well as in the retail and service sectors. This move forms part of a national security strategy, as the authors of the document note that “in the context of a full-scale war, language policy is an integral part of national security”.
Under the new requirements, The use of the Russian language is prohibited to avoid duplicating information on labels. Instead, businesses will be able to continue labelling their products in several foreign languages, such as English, Polish or German, provided that Russian is not among them.
What will change for businesses?
Under current Ukrainian legislation, manufacturers and suppliers are permitted to provide information about products in the official language, with the option of providing it in other languages as well. However, the new draft law introduces a clear exception, prohibiting the use of the language of the aggressor state. This means that Ukrainian manufacturers and importers will have to carry out an audit of their packaging, change the design of their labels and update their advertising materials to comply with the new regulations.
The ban will apply not only to supermarket labels, but also to restaurant menus, advertising materials, instructions and information leaflets. Consequently, businesses operating in the Ukrainian market will have to adapt to the new conditions.
When might the changes come into force?
Bill No. 15356 is currently under consideration by the relevant committees of the Verkhovna Rada. If MPs support the initiative in the plenary chamber and the President signs the law, it will come into force the day after its official publication. This means that Ukrainian businesses should be prepared for rapid changes to their operations.
