Ukraine continues to align its regulation with EU standards. The country has announced a new ecodesign regulation for commercial refrigeration equipment with a direct sales function, mandatory from 1 September 2026.

The technical regulation, prepared by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on the basis of EU standards, focuses on the energy efficiency and environmental impact of "direct sales" refrigeration units, meaning cabinets used to display and sell food and beverages.

Core requirements

1. Energy efficiency index (EEI). Products must strictly meet the minimum energy performance standard before being placed on the market.

2. Resource efficiency. Manufacturers must ensure products are designed for repair and recycling. Key spare parts such as thermostats, sensors and door gaskets must remain available to professional repairers for a specified period after the last unit of the model is sold.

3. Information obligations. Manufacturers must provide technical documentation, including an electronic version, to ensure transparency of energy consumption information.

Products affected

The regulation mainly affects manufacturers and importers of:

(1) supermarket display cabinets, both open and closed;

(2) beverage coolers;

(3) small ice cream freezers;

(4) gelato display cabinets;

(5) vending machines for refrigerated products.

Although mandatory application is still some way off, manufacturers should begin the transition early. Products already placed on the market before 1 September 2026 may generally continue to be sold, but all new equipment placed on the market after that date must meet the updated energy efficiency classes and carry the required compliance marking.