Browse Data and Analysis

There are no significant changes to the agricultural biotechnology situation in the Czech Republic in 2024. The country generally maintains a scientific approach towards biotechnology and became a vocal advocate for their adoption in the EU during its EU Council presidency. Czech farmers planted genetically engineered (GE) corn from 2005 to 2017.

Poland opposes the use of genetic engineering in agriculture. Although the current regulatory framework technically allows genetically engineered (GE) seeds to enter commerce, the law stipulates they cannot be planted.

According to USCB, U.S. suppliers shipped $376 million of U.S. food and agriculture to Poland in 2023. However, according to Poland’s Central Statistical Office (CSO), which measures trade by country of origin and, therefore, reflects both direct and indirect trade, Poland sourced upwards of $740 million of U.S. food and agriculture in 2023.

The Parliament of Poland extended until January 1, 2030, exemptions of provisions under the 2006 Feed Act to ban the use of genetically engineered (GE) feed ingredients. Poland is a major import of soybean meal, including GE meal, with imports reaching $1.5 billion each year.

Czechia has been an interesting market for U.S. food and agriculture high-value products, such as tree nuts, fish and seafood, beef, distilled spirits, wine, and food preparations. The country serves as an entry point for U.S. companies expanding beyond traditional markets in Western Europe to the developing markets in the East.

Poland is Central and Eastern Europe’s largest market for food and beverage products. With a population of 38 million people, Poland is a growing market for U.S. food and agricultural products.

FAS Prague organized a high-end culinary event at the Ambassador’s residence featuring U.S. food ingredients to showcase their appropriate use in unconventional, fine-dining food service.

Poland is Central and Eastern Europe’s largest market for food and beverage products. With a population of nearly 38 million people, Poland is a large and growing market for U.S. food and agricultural products.

On January 1, 2024, new regulations will come into force in Poland, prohibiting the sale of energy drinks to people under 18 years of age. The regulations also prohibit the sale of these drinks at schools and other educational units, as well as in vending machines.

Poland applies European Union (EU) regulatory requirements for all food of animal or plant origin. Although the EU has harmonized export certificate requirements for most products, Poland maintains national-level oversight for products still not harmonized under the EU.

Poland is a European Union (EU) Member State and applies all EU regulations pertaining to imports of food and feed products. U.S. food and feed suppliers to Poland should verify with local importers and appropriate U.S. regulatory agencies regarding the most current local requirements prior to shipment.

This report provides information on the laws and regulations for food, import rules for food, and contact information in the Czech Republic. It is recommended to read the EU Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards, because the Czech Republic, a member of the European Union, follows the EU directives and regulations.