Zelenskyy introduces moratorium on business inspections: what will change
22 July 2025 10:47
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree enacting the decision of the National Security and Defense Council to introduce legal and organizational measures to protect business and stimulate economic growth. This is stated on the website of the President’s Office, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
According to the decision of the National Security and Defense Council, a moratorium on unreasonable inspections of enterprises and interference of state bodies in business activities under martial law is introduced in Ukraine. The goal is to guarantee the economic security of the state.
The goal is to reduce the pressure of state authorities on entrepreneurs and stimulate economic growth under martial law.
Main provisions of the NSDC decision
The document refers to the implementation of legal and organizational measures that should minimize the interference of regulatory authorities in business activities. This includes, in particular
- limiting inspections of enterprises, especially those that have the status of authorized economic operators or are classified as low-risk entities
- improving the system of risk-based approach to control by the tax and customs authorities;
- introduction of digitalization in the system of state supervision;
- developing mechanisms for compensating investments through tax instruments;
- improving guarantees for the protection of entrepreneurs’ rights in criminal proceedings.
What the government should do
The Cabinet of Ministers has been instructed to act within a certain timeframe:
- Together with law enforcement agencies and economic agencies, strengthen the identification of assets of sanctioned persons and ensure their recovery for the state;
- Strengthen the protection of foreign investors;
- Analyze and improve the regulatory framework to minimize duplication of functions of regulatory authorities and reduce the administrative burden on business;
- Introduce a system for assessing the effectiveness of regulatory authorities;
- Introduce a digital module in the integrated system of state supervision.
Legislative initiatives: To the Verkhovna Rada – to speed up
The President recommends the Parliament to adopt a number of draft laws as soon as possible, including
- amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code to protect business in criminal proceedings;
- amendments to the Tax and Customs Codes on compensation for investments through taxes;
- a new version of the law on state supervision (control);
- strengthening the responsibility of officials of regulatory authorities;
- draft laws on management of seized assets of the Russian Federation;
- criminalization of sanctions evasion.
What else is envisaged
Security and law enforcement agencies have within a month to
- review the materials of criminal proceedings in which business activities are being investigated;
- assess the feasibility of security measures that may affect entrepreneurs;
- strengthen control over the observance of entrepreneurs’ rights at all stages of pre-trial investigation.
What does this mean for business?
The moratorium is a signal of support for business in times of war. It does not abolish control altogether, but directs it to the most risky areas and promises less pressure on bona fide entrepreneurs. At the same time, the government promises to fight economic crimes, including asset laundering and customs abuse, more actively.
When does it come into force?
Decree No. 538/2025 will come into force upon its promulgation on July 21, 2025. The Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council is responsible for its implementation.
The day before, the Prime Minister announced a one-year moratorium on business inspections, as well as restrictions on tax and customs inspections.
In addition, an audit of criminal cases against businesses has already begun. The priority is to close unfounded proceedings that block business activities.
