Two important by-laws were published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia No. 49/2026, further operationalizing the implementation of the Law on the Regulation of Agricultural Product Markets and introducing a new regulatory framework for participants in the trade of fresh fruit and vegetables. These are the Rulebook on Market Standards for Fruit and Vegetables and the Rulebook on Registration in the Registry of Fruit and Vegetable Traders.
By adopting these regulations, the legislator continues the process of harmonizing Serbia’s regulatory framework with European Union standards in the field of agricultural products, with a particular focus on product quality, traceability, and market transparency. The new regime introduces significant obligations for producers, distributors, importers, exporters, packers, wholesalers, and retailers operating in this sector.
The Rulebook on Market Standards sets out detailed requirements regarding quality criteria, product classification, labeling rules, origin requirements, as well as specific standards applicable to particular types of fruit and vegetables. In doing so, it establishes a unified system for product assessment and market placement, aimed at increasing legal certainty and enhancing consumer protection.
At the same time, the establishment of the Registry of Fruit and Vegetable Traders represents an important step toward the digitalization of market supervision. The Registry will contain information on market participants, their activities, inspections carried out, certificates issued, and other relevant data that may be of significance to regulatory authorities.
Particular attention should be given to the concept of an authorized trader, which allows certain business entities, subject to prescribed conditions, to independently carry out conformity assessment procedures and issue certificates confirming compliance with market standards. Obtaining this status will require fulfillment of a number of organizational, technical, and personnel requirements, as well as maintaining a high level of compliance over an extended period.
From a business perspective, the new regulatory framework demonstrates a shift in focus from the individual product to the entire supply chain. In practice, this means that businesses will be expected to implement a higher level of internal controls, maintain more accurate records, establish more effective traceability systems, and consistently apply compliance procedures.
Although full implementation is scheduled to begin in 2027, companies involved in the production and trade of fruit and vegetables should already start reviewing their existing procedures and identifying areas that may require adjustment. Early preparation can significantly reduce regulatory risks and compliance costs once the new system becomes fully operational.
Ikonić Stiković Attorneys at Law continuously monitors regulatory developments affecting businesses in the fields of trade, agriculture, the food industry, and regulatory compliance. Our team provides legal support to clients in analyzing new regulations, assessing regulatory risks, and implementing internal procedures aligned with applicable legal requirements.
Drawing on extensive experience advising both domestic and international companies, Ikonić Stiković provides comprehensive legal support in matters of regulatory compliance, risk management, inspections, and alignment of business operations with the laws and regulations of the Republic of Serbia and the European Union. For additional information regarding the impact of these new regulations on your business, our team remains at your disposal.
