Beginning 1 January 2026, the transitional period under Ukraine’s international obligations to the European Union will expire, and Ukrainian wine and spirits producers will no longer be permitted to use the designations “cognac,” “champagne,” “armagnac,” “grappa,” or “brandy de Jerez” on their products.
Following the entry into force of the EU–Ukraine Association Agreement, Ukrainian businesses were granted a 10-year transition period, ending on 1 January 2026. As early as 2016, following industry consultations, it was decided that the term “brandy” would serve as the alternative designation for Ukrainian products previously marketed as “cognac.”
Under EU legislation, the exclusive right to use these protected geographical indications (PGIs) belongs solely to producers located in the respective regions of origin in France, Italy, Spain, and other qualifying jurisdictions.
If a violation is detected, manufacturers unlawfully using these protected designations will be required to compensate for damages in an amount ranging from UAH 67,000 to UAH 3.35 million, with the final sum determined by the court based on the nature of the infringement.
In addition, the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine may apply the provisions of the Law “On Protection Against Unfair Competition” and impose a fine of up to 5% of the infringing undertaking’s revenue from product sales for the preceding financial year.