The Cabinet of Ministers has approved new technical regulations for vehicles: what will change for the transportation market

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has adopted Resolution No. 389, “Certain Issues Regarding the Approval of the Design of Wheeled Vehicles, Their Components, and Equipment.” The document establishes new Technical Regulations, which replace the outdated system previously based on departmental orders issued by the Ministry of Infrastructure.

The new rules change the approach to market approval for cars, buses, trucks, and their components. The main essence of the changes is the transition to the European model of technical regulation, where the primary responsibility for compliance with requirements rests with the manufacturer and importer.

According to Serhiy Derkach, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, Ukraine currently has requirements for only 30 vehicle systems, while the EU has requirements for up to 75, so the new regulation is intended to narrow this gap. 

Specifically:

• Modern safety systems are being introduced: automatic emergency braking, eCall, and new requirements for lighting and passenger protection.
• Requirements that did not exist before are being introduced, including protection against cyberattacks and unauthorized access to vehicles.
• Environmental standards are being updated: emissions control, energy efficiency, and modern measurement methods.
• Digitization of certification. The regulations provide for photographic documentation of tests and the launch of a registry where every certificate can be verified. This is intended to reduce fraud and increase trust in the system.

A six-month transition period has been established for businesses so that manufacturers, importers, and certification bodies can adapt to the new procedures. The resolution will take effect on September 27, 2026.

The Ministry of Development emphasizes that the new rules apply to the future production and import of vehicles, not to vehicles that have already been manufactured and are in use.