The Minister of Agriculture, Armend Muja, has announced that he has taken a decision to implement a broad package of measures in the milk market in Kosovo, which aim to guarantee the quality of products, protect consumers and empower local producers.
Some of the measures taken in this decision, as announced, are; Mandatory categorization of dairy products, mixing fresh milk with products containing powdered milk or palm oil will not be allowed, there will be increased border controls, where every dairy product entering Kosovo will be subject to laboratory analysis to verify its composition, and, the imposition of excise duty on powdered milk.
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Minister Armend Muja decides on a package of measures to protect the milk market and local production
Pristina, April 28, 2026 – The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, Armend Muja, during a press conference, announced a decision to implement a broad package of measures in the milk market in Kosovo. These measures aim to guarantee the quality of products, protect consumers and empower local producers.
On this occasion, Minister Muja presented the main measures that will be implemented to protect and regulate this sector.
"Mandatory categorization of dairy products - every product on the market will have to be clearly labeled and categorized. Mixing fresh milk with products containing powdered milk or palm oil will not be allowed. There will be increased border controls, where every dairy product entering Kosovo will be subjected to laboratory analysis to verify the composition. In addition, we have taken measures to impose an excise tax on powdered milk. Upon the proposal of the MAFRD, sent to the Ministry of Finance, the Government of Kosovo has approved the decision on the excise tax on powdered milk, which enters into force after publication in the Official Gazette. There will also be increased supervision of the internal market, where controls will be strengthened to prevent misdeclaration and mixing of products", said Minister Muja.
The decision to take these measures, according to the minister, comes after detailed analyses conducted by the Ministry, in cooperation with relevant institutions, which have identified increased pressure from imported and substitute products on the local milk market.
During the conference, the minister emphasized that local fresh milk production is facing a direct impact from increased imports, especially powdered milk, as well as products containing palm oil.
"Our analyses show a significant increase in the import of powdered milk and a growing pressure on local fresh milk, directly impacting rural economies," stressed Minister Muja.
The implementation of these measures has been entrusted to the Food and Veterinary Agency (FVA), which is authorized to act in a strict and proportionate manner.
The measures will be in effect for an initial period of 90 days, with the possibility of extension, depending on market developments.
The Minister also emphasized that the situation is also affected by seasonal factors, where the increase in local production is accompanied by increased pressure from imports, creating difficulties for placing fresh milk on the market.
"These measures are in the interest of consumer protection, quality assurance, and support for local producers and households," he said.
In conclusion, Minister Muja called on all economic operators to strictly respect the new provisions, while thanking the media for their role in accurately informing citizens.
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