Serbia is taking another important step on its path toward joining the European Union — the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management has initiated the preparation of a new Law on Animal Feed, which will regulate this sector in a systematic way and ensure its full alignment with EU legal norms and standards.
SRBIJA NEWS – This initiative is more than just a technical reform; it reflects the country’s commitment to modernizing its legislation, improving safety in the agri-food sector, and fulfilling key obligations in the EU accession process, specifically under Chapter 12 (Food Safety, Veterinary and Phytosanitary Policy) and Cluster 5 (Resources, Agriculture, and Cohesion).
Until now, issues related to animal feed have been regulated by scattered and uncoordinated legal provisions, which has hindered effective oversight and risk-based monitoring. The new law will eliminate this fragmentation by introducing a unified, transparent, and functional legal framework. It will cover all stages of the feed chain — from production and processing to marketing and use — applying international standards of safety and quality. The primary goal of the legislation is to protect the health of both animals and people, as well as to establish an effective early warning system for potential risks. The law will also define clear responsibilities for all stakeholders in the supply chain: producers, importers, distributors, and animal keepers. Additionally, it will introduce strict hygiene standards and regulate the labeling and advertising of feed to prevent consumer deception and enhance market transparency.
A particularly important aspect of the law is the introduction of a traceability system to monitor the origin of feed, as well as mandatory registration and approval of facilities where feed is produced. These measures will not only enhance safety but also help Serbian producers become more competitive both domestically and internationally, especially given the steady growth of the pet food sector. The Ministry emphasizes that the implementation of the new rules will not increase costs for businesses or citizens, as all financial obligations are already defined under existing regulations.
In this context, the upcoming Law on Animal Feed represents not only a tool for protecting health and improving oversight but also a milestone in Serbia’s European integration journey. It will strengthen consumer confidence, provide legal clarity for producers, and further harmonize Serbian legislation with the EU legal system. The Ministry invites all interested parties — from professional associations to the general public — to participate in the public consultation process and submit their comments and suggestions by August 19, 2025, to the following email address: hrana.zivotinje@minpolj.gov.rs.
