The Law on Official Controls – A New Regulatory Framework and Practical Implications for Businesses

The Law on Official Controls was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia, No. 109/2025 of 4 December 2025. It entered into force on 12 December 2025, while its application is phased, depending on the sector it regulates. This Law establishes a unified and comprehensive system of official controls in the areas of food safety, feed, animal health and welfare, plant protection, organic production, as well as in relation to genetically modified organisms.

The general application of the Law is scheduled to commence on 1 January 2026, with specific implementation deadlines prescribed for certain sectors. Accordingly, provisions relating to food safety, feed, animal health and welfare, animal by-products, organic production, as well as the labelling of products with protected geographical indications, shall apply as of 1 June 2026. Provisions governing genetically modified organisms, plant health and plant protection products shall apply as of 1 January 2027.

One of the key novelties introduced by the Law is the conduct of official controls without prior notice, except in exceptional cases where advance notification is justified and necessary to ensure the effective performance of the control. In this way, the legislator introduces standards fully aligned with the European Union legal framework, with the aim of ensuring a realistic assessment of on-site conditions and more effective detection of irregularities throughout the production and supply chain.

The scope of official controls has been significantly expanded to cover all stages of business operations—from primary production, through processing and storage, to distribution and import. Controls are carried out in accordance with the “from farm to fork” principle and include imported goods, thereby further strengthening consumer protection and ensuring equal market conditions for both domestic and foreign operators.

The Law places particular emphasis on areas that have previously represented heightened regulatory risk, such as genetically modified organisms, animal by-products, organic production, as well as the use and labelling of products with protected geographical indications and guaranteed traditional specialities. Enhanced supervision is envisaged in these areas, accompanied by more clearly defined competencies and powers of the authorities responsible for conducting controls.

An important component of the new system is the digitalisation of official controls, through the planned establishment of an information system enabling more efficient data exchange among competent authorities and improved monitoring of control activities. This aspect of the Law has significant implications for data processing, internal procedures, and compliance with other relevant regulations, including data protection and IT security requirements.

The Law clearly defines the competent authorities responsible for the implementation of official controls, with particular emphasis on the role of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management and the Ministry of Health, as well as their respective administrations and inspection bodies. At the same time, the Law on Inspection Supervision does not apply to matters governed by this Law, further highlighting the specificity and autonomy of the new official control system.

For businesses operating in the sectors covered by the Law on Official Controls, timely alignment of business operations, internal procedures, and documentation represents a key factor in reducing regulatory and operational risks. Majstorović & Partners provides comprehensive legal support in the interpretation and application of the new legal framework, including risk assessment, compliance alignment, and advisory services regarding the practical implications of official controls on day-to-day business operations.

This publication is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion with respect to any specific matter. Legal advice should be obtained based on the particular circumstances of each individual case.