AGREEMENTBETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF FOOD SAFETY("Off. Herald of RS - Treaties", No. 2/2026) |
The Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan, (hereinafter referred to as "the Parties"),
expressing their intention to continue, expand cooperation and building close relations aimed at joint efforts in the field of food safety based on equality and mutual benefit principles;
with the view of the available potential for intensive trade relations between the States of the Parties in food sector;
in order to identify the mutual responsibility and joint areas of interest between the Parties in the field of ensuring the safety of food products, including products under veterinary, phytosanitary and sanitary control according to the principle of "from field to table" along all stages of agri-food chain;
have agreed as follows:
Article 1
The competent authorities of the Parties for the implementation of the provisions of this Agreement are:
From the Government of the Republic of Serbia - Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management.
From the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan - Food Safety Agency;
Should any changes be made to powers of the competent authorities, the Parties shall inform each other in writing through diplomatic channels.
Article 2
The Parties, within their competences, shall provide support to mutual trade by conducting state control for the import of food products into, export and re-export from their countries in accordance with the national legislation of their States and international principles.
The Parties shall cooperate for ensuring the food safety at all stages of the agri-food chain.
The Parties shall conduct the exchange of experiences between specialists in the field of food safety.
The Parties shall apply additions and amendments to the veterinary certificates issued for export of food products of animal origin only on the basis of mutual consent and in line with recommendations of WOAH (World Organization for Animal Health).
The Parties shall conduct the exchange of information in advance on prohibited and restricted food products under veterinary and sanitary control in accordance with the national legislation of their States and requirements of relevant international organizations.
Article 3
Control and risk-based approach
The Parties guide the risk-based approach in their activities.
The Parties shall conduct the inspection and registration or approval of food business operators in connection with ensuring the food safety on the basis of risk assessment.
The Parties shall conduct the expertise of a food product according to its risk level in order to ensure the safety and suitability of food products during the import and export.
The Parties shall agree for conducting the inspection of imported food products in line with the food control system based on the risk assessment relevant to the national legislative acts of their States.
The Parties shall ensure the issuance of the relevant certificates for export of food products in accordance with the legislation of importing country and international standards.
The Parties shall take into account the requirements of the exporting country for the certificate (and other guaranties) unless the legislation of the importing country specifies different requirements for imported products.
The Parties shall share with each other the information about their States’ national legislation for food products to be exported. In case of any changes to import requirements and conditions, the Parties shall notify the other Party.
The Parties shall ensure the documentation and transparency of all inspection procedures, as well as, the submission of information about all procedures when requested.
The Parties shall take over the commitment of ensuring the safety of food products along the agri-food chain by taking into account that in most cases the most effective and efficient means to reduce food safety risks are obtained by applying control measures during the primary production and processing in the country of origin.
Article 4
Technical implementation mechanism
The importing Party is entitled to request the relevant documents from the Party exporting food products and assist in organization of site visits if relevant.
Article 5
With the consent of the Parties, a Joint Working Group consisting of representatives of both Parties can be established in order to promote coordination of activities envisioned in this Agreement.
Joint Working Group meetings are organized remotely, using the agreed on-line digital platform.
Any Party may initiate the direct Joint Working Group meeting and then both Parties agree on the venue, date and agenda of the meeting.
Article 6
Each Party shall pay its own transportation and daily expenses, unless otherwise agreed.
Organizational costs of the meetings will be covered by the competent authority of the receiving Party.
Article 7
The provisions of this Agreement shall be implemented in accordance with the national legislation in force in the territory of the States of the Parties without detriment the international commitments of the Parties.
This Agreement shall not affect the rights and obligations arising from other international agreements to which the States of Parties are parties.
Article 8
Any disagreements arising from interpretation or implementation of the provisions of this Agreement shall be settled between the Parties by negotiations and consultations including through diplomatic channels.
Article 9
Any additions and amendments may be made to this Agreement by mutual consent of the Parties, in a form of separate Protocols which shall constitute an integral part of this Agreement and enter into force in accordance with Article 10 of this Agreement.
Article 10
Application, duration and termination
This Agreement shall enter into force on the date which the Parties received the last written notification through diplomatic channels confirming the implementation of the internal procedures required for the entry into force of this Agreement.
This Agreement is concluded for an indefinite period of time. Either Party may, at any time notify in written form through diplomatic channels of its intention to terminate this Agreement.
The termination shall take effect 6 (six) months after receiving such notification.
The termination of this Agreement shall not affect the implementation of projects and programs initiated pursuant to this Agreement before termination.
Agreement done a Belgrade, on 18 th Feb. 2026, in two original copies, each in Serbian, Azerbaijani and English languages, all texts being equally authentic. In case of divergence in texts, the English text shall prevail.
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