Two important by-laws were published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia No. 49 of 29 May 2026:
- Rulebook on Market Standards for Fruits and Vegetables, which sets out detailed requirements regarding the quality, classification, labelling, and marketing of fruits and vegetables;
- Rulebook on Registration in the Register of Fruit and Vegetable Traders, which establishes an electronic register of all participants involved in the trade of fresh fruits and vegetables and regulates the system of authorised traders.
Viewed together, these rulebooks represent an important step in the implementation of the Law on the Regulation of Agricultural Product Markets and in aligning Serbia’s regulatory framework with the rules applied within the European Union. The new system is built on two key pillars:
- Product standardisation – through clearly defined general and specific market standards for particular categories of fruits and vegetables, including quality classification, size and maturity requirements, labelling obligations, and rules on product origin;
- Registration and oversight of market participants – through the mandatory registration of traders in a dedicated electronic register, as well as the collection and maintenance of data on business activities, inspections, certificates, and self-control systems.
Particularly noteworthy is the introduction of a mechanism allowing certain traders, subject to prescribed conditions, to carry out conformity assessments themselves and issue certificates for products they place on the market. To obtain such status, a trader must, among other things, be registered in the Register, employ adequately trained personnel, possess appropriate equipment, and maintain a low inspection-risk classification over an extended period.
In practical terms, the regulatory focus is shifting from the product itself to the entire supply chain – from producers, packers, and importers to wholesalers, retailers, and exporters. At the same time, the new framework strengthens product traceability, transparency of origin, and the effectiveness of market inspections, requiring traders to exercise greater diligence in their operations and, consequently, assume a higher level of responsibility.
Although these regulations will not become applicable until 2027, businesses operating in the fruit and vegetable sector should already begin reviewing and aligning their internal procedures, quality management systems, labelling practices, and record-keeping processes with the new requirements.
For additional information or consultations, the Tasić & Partners team is at your disposal