SAFETY MANAGEMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES DURING CUSTOMS CLEARANCE

Abstract

The article examines the specific features of alcoholic beverage safety management during customs clearance and movement under customs control. The relevance of the study is determined by the need to harmonize national food safety and customs control requirements with European legislation, as well as by the increasing risks of counterfeit and adulterated alcoholic products entering the domestic market. The aim of the study is to identify the main risks and hazardous factors that may affect the safety of imported alcoholic beverages during customs clearance and transportation. The research objects included imported alcoholic beverages of various product categories: wine, sparkling wine, brandy, whisky, and vodka. Product labeling was analyzed for compliance with the requirements of Ukrainian legislation, particularly with regard to the indication of the manufacturer, country of origin, volume, alcohol content, and allergenic components, including sulfur dioxide. Risk assessment was performed using an expert analytical method based on the determination of occurrence probability, severity of consequences, and difficulty of hazard detection, followed by calculation of the Risk Priority Number (RPN). It was established that the most critical risks are product composition adulteration, distribution through illegal supply channels, the use of alcohol of unknown origin, and counterfeiting of trademarks and packaging. Chemical, biological, physical, and allergenic hazards were identified in the context of the HACCP system during the movement of alcoholic beverages under customs control. The highest significance was assigned to physical damage to packaging and the risk of glass fragments entering the product. A set of control measures was proposed, including verification of packaging integrity, labeling, transportation conditions, batch traceability, and accompanying documentation. The obtained results may be used to improve the risk-based approach to customs control and enhance the effectiveness of safety management for imported alcoholic beverages.