Mandatory certification: Ukraine’s legal framework
In 2026, Ukraine no longer uses the old system of mandatory certificates based on the Soviet model. It has been completely replaced by a model of conformity assessment based on technical regulations harmonized with European Union requirements. It is technical regulations that determine whether products are subject to mandatory conformity assessment, in what form this takes place, and what requirements are imposed on safety and labeling.
Complete list of goods subject to mandatory certification
The list of certified goods that will be subject to mandatory conformity assessment in 2026 includes products that could potentially pose risks to consumers or the environment. The most common categories are:
| Product category | Confirmation form |
| Electrical and electronic equipment | declaration or certificate |
| Machinery and industrial equipment | certificate of conformity |
| Building materials | declaration of conformity |
| Toys | certificate of conformity |
| Medical devices | certificate of conformity |
| Personal protective equipment | certificate of conformity |
Without these documents, the products cannot be legally placed on the market.
Services requiring mandatory certification
Certification of services in most areas is voluntary, but there are exceptions. Mandatory requirements are established for activities involving increased responsibility or risk: maintenance of complex equipment, passenger transportation, work with electrical installations, and certain types of medical and educational services.
Voluntary certification: why is it necessary?
Voluntary certification applies in cases where goods or services are not subject to technical regulations. Its main purpose is to confirm the declared characteristics, quality level, or compliance with standards. For businesses, it is a tool for building trust, not coercion.
Benefits of voluntary certification for businesses
Voluntary conformity assessment offers practical benefits:
- simplifies work with corporate clients;
- increases trust in the brand;
- helps win tenders;
- reduces the number of complaints from partners.
How to find out if your product requires certification
To understand whether 2026 product certification is necessary, you need to:
- determine the purpose of the goods;
- check whether it is subject to technical regulations;
- find out whether a declaration or certificate is required.
In practice, this is most often done by consulting with specialists or certification bodies.
Where to apply for certification
Confirmation of conformity is carried out by accredited certification bodies, and testing is carried out by independent laboratories. The choice of body depends on the type of product, regulations, and the necessary conformity assessment procedure.
Certificate validity periods and renewal procedure
Certificates are usually valid for one to five years. Declarations may be limited or indefinite. Documents are renewed after re-inspection or confirmation of production stability.
Liability for violation of certification requirements
Selling goods without the required documents results in fines, a ban on sales, and the removal of products from circulation. For importers, this often means a halt to customs clearance.
Changes in legislation in 2026: what’s new
In 2026, Ukraine continues to harmonize its regulations with European requirements. Control over conformity assessment is tightened, technical regulations are updated, and liability for certification violations is increased.
