As of 14 May 2026, the state of emergency in Hungary came to an end, and with it the government decree restricting imports of Ukrainian agricultural products ceased to have effect. However, this change does not mean that imports have become entirely administration-free: the notification obligation to Nébih has remained in force.
An Extraordinary Period Has Concluded
The state of emergency declared in November 2022 introduced several trade and import regulatory measures that directly affected imports of agricultural products. Among the most well-known was the restriction on Ukrainian grain imports.
The state of emergency automatically ceased on 14 May 2026 – in the absence of a further extension. This was formally recorded by Government Decree 22/2026 (V. 15.) ME.
The change is legally particularly significant because, under the Fundamental Law, government decrees enacted during a special legal order automatically cease to have effect when the state of emergency ends.
This is what happened with Government Decree 130/2023 (IV. 18.), which regulated the import ban on Ukrainian agricultural products – including several types of grain.
Ukrainian Agricultural Imports Are Again Possible
With the revocation of the decree, the import ban on Ukrainian agricultural products has been lifted. This means that, in legal terms, it is once again possible to import agricultural products from Ukraine to Hungary.
The decision is expected to re-direct the attention of several market players towards Ukraine. The volume, competitive price levels, and geographical proximity of Ukrainian agricultural products made the market a significant player in European agricultural trade even in recent years.
At the same time, the reopening of imports may remain a sensitive market and political issue, particularly from the perspective of domestic producers and processors.
Not All Obligations Have Ceased
The regulatory environment has not, however, returned entirely to its pre-state-of-emergency state.
Government Decree 80/2024 (IV. 11.) – which imposed a general notification obligation for certain agricultural products – formally also ceased to have effect, but its content continues to live at the level of statute.
The regulation was incorporated into Act XIV of 2026 on elevating to statutory level the emergency decrees issued in view of the armed conflict on the territory of Ukraine.
In practice, this means that the notification obligation to Nébih remains in force.
What Does This Mean for Importers?
The most important practical consequence for importers is that while imports of Ukrainian agricultural products are again possible, the administrative compliance obligations have not ceased.
Failure to make the Nébih notification does not prevent the customs clearance or release of goods, but it can result in an administrative sanction.
This is particularly important for companies that, following the lifting of the ban, make quick procurement decisions and, focusing on the commercial opportunity, push compliance checks into the background.
The Market May Now Begin to Move Again
The lifting of the Ukrainian import restriction is expected to trigger new market dynamics. Traders may once again have access to certain favourably priced raw materials, while concerns about market pressure may intensify again among domestic market players.
In the coming period it will be particularly important to:
- continuously monitor regulatory compliance,
- handle documentation accurately,
- and maintain control over administrative processes related to imports.
The regulatory environment has become simpler, but it has not become entirely restriction-free.
Summary
As of 14 May 2026, the import ban on Ukrainian agricultural products has been lifted in Hungary, as the government decree regulating this ceased to have effect with the end of the state of emergency. The market has thus reopened to Ukrainian imports, but the notification obligation to Nébih has remained in force at the level of statute. For importers, one of the most important tasks in the coming period will be managing the balance between commercial opportunities and compliance obligations.
Key Questions
Has the Ukrainian grain import ban ended?
Yes, Government Decree 130/2023 (IV. 18.) ceased to have effect as of 14 May 2026.
Is it again possible to import agricultural products from Ukraine?
Yes, this is again possible with the lifting of the import ban.
Has the Nébih notification obligation been retained?
Yes, the regulation's content remains in force at statutory level – in Act XIV of 2026.
What happens if the notification is not made?
It does not prevent the release of goods, but it can result in an administrative sanction.
