The Ministry of Agriculture has started drafting the Law on Official Controls, which will introduce inspections without prior notice, expected to come into effect on January 1, 2026.
The new law aims to create a comprehensive control system covering the entire food production chain — from the field to the consumer’s table — and to strengthen oversight of imported food. It seeks to improve efficiency in detecting irregularities while ensuring food safety and quality.
Inspections will generally be unannounced, increasing their effectiveness. The law will also align Serbian standards with EU regulations, facilitating the export of animals, food, and other products.
The Law on Inspection Supervision will not apply in areas covered by this new law. The draft also regulates import, export, and transit requirements for goods and animals and establishes an information system for official controls.
Currently, the draft law is open for public consultation until June 13, and the Ministry invites all interested parties to provide feedback.
