Author: Anton Kleshchov, National Coordinator of the GEIPP-II Ukraine project (UNIDO)
The question of the legislative basis for eco-industrial parks (EIPs) in Ukraine comes up at almost every meeting with business and industrial park representatives. Let me give a simple answer to the question: where do we stand now, what is already in force, and what are we still waiting for?
What already exists: a national standard as the first practical tool
A major milestone was achieved on 5 June 2025, when DSTU 9328:2025 “Eco-Industrial Parks. Sustainability Criteria and Assessment Method” was approved by Order No. 95 of the State Enterprise “UkrNDNC”. The standard entered into force on 1 September 2025 and already provides industrial park initiators and management companies with a practical framework for assessing and advancing their transition to the eco-industrial park model. Its provisions can already be applied by industrial park initiators and management companies today.
The standard introduces a rating system, with “gold”, “silver” or “bronze” levels, covering management efficiency, process sustainability, and environmental impact. Ukraine became the first country in Europe and the second in the world to adopt a national standard for eco-industrial parks at the state level. This is a significant achievement and an opportunity for industrial parks to signal to international investors that they operate in line with standards closely aligned with those applied across Europe.
Draft Law No. 12117: current status and key provisions
Alongside the adoption of the national standard, progress is also being made on Draft Law No. 12117, which seeks to amend the Law of Ukraine “On Industrial Parks” by strengthening the regulatory framework for industrial parks and formally introducing the eco-industrial park (EIP) model. On 11 February 2025, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the draft law in its first reading, with 244 Members of Parliament voting in favour and supporting its further refinement.
On 9 July 2025, the Working Group on Industrial Park Development held a further meeting as part of preparations for the second reading, discussing the main provisions and amendments proposed by legislative initiative actors. On 27 August 2025, the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Economic Development reviewed the draft law and recommended that the Verkhovna Rada adopt it in its second reading and as a whole. Adoption is planned for the next parliamentary session.
What will change once it is adopted? The draft law provides for, among other things: a clear delineation of the functions of industrial park entities; an expanded list of permitted activities for park participants; the introduction of the concept of an “eco-industrial park”; regulation of the procedure for increasing or decreasing park area; and the possibility of partial compensation of interest rates on loans for park infrastructure and business operations.
Practical takeaway for business
The situation today is as follows: the legislative framework for EIPs in Ukraine is being actively developed but is not yet complete. DSTU 9328:2025 is already in force and provides a practical tool for those who want to begin preparing for certification. Draft Law No. 12117 has passed its first reading and has been recommended by the relevant committee for adoption as a whole – it is now only a matter of time.
What is worth doing now: review the requirements of DSTU 9328:2025, carry out an internal audit against the standard’s criteria, and do not wait for the law’s final adoption before starting the transformation. Parks that begin this journey today will gain a competitive advantage, both over domestic competitors and in the eyes of international investors, for whom EIP status already signals reliability and alignment with EU standards.
Our project website has detailed methodological guidance on how to begin transforming your business and laying the foundation for its resilience today, so that you are ready for large-scale reconstruction tomorrow.
The project “Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme II – Ukraine Country level intervention” (GEIPP-II Ukraine) is implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization in partnership with the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, with financial support from the Government of Switzerland through SECO.
