Humanitarian Demining in Ukraine: Setting Up an LLC and Getting Licensed

In Ukraine, demining is not just a critical mission; it has become a full-fledged sector that requires professionals, specialized equipment, accountability, and proper legal registration. If your company plans to provide humanitarian demining services, having experts and equipment is not enough. The first and mandatory step is to obtain the appropriate license and correctly register a legal entity in accordance with all requirements for this type of activity.

In this article, we will explain why the LLC legal form is the most suitable for this field, which KVRD codes to choose, how to properly prepare the founding documents, and what else to consider to obtain certificates on the first try. This is a roadmap for those who want not just to start a business, but to make it part of a greater mission — bringing safety back to the land.

What Is Humanitarian Demining?

Humanitarian demining is a set of actions aimed at detecting, identifying, removing, and safely destroying mines, unexploded ordnance, and other explosive remnants of war in areas affected by hostilities.

For Ukraine, humanitarian demining is no longer merely a technical process but a critically important activity aimed at restoring a safe and peaceful life for Ukrainians, infrastructure, agricultural land, and enabling displaced people to return to their homes. Under martial law and after the resolution of armed conflict, humanitarian demining remains a key area of activity that ensures safety and stability across the country.

Since demining work involves a high level of risk, specific requirements and standards are established by law for this type of activity. That is why companies choosing to engage in this field must obtain the appropriate license for humanitarian demining (certification), which confirms the company's qualifications, professionalism, and technical readiness to carry out tasks in this area.

LLC Registration for Humanitarian Demining

Most often, the Limited Liability Company (LLC) format is chosen for certification in humanitarian demining. Why specifically an LLC? Primarily because it is the most convenient and widely used form of doing business in Ukraine, allowing flexible company management and protection of the participants’ interests.

Another advantage of this legal form is that participants are liable only within the limits of their contributions to the charter capital, which significantly minimizes risks for the founders in case of potential legal or financial issues. This is also particularly relevant given the potentially hazardous nature of activities involving explosive objects.

The ability to generate profit from demining activities is also a significant advantage, as nonprofit organizations, for example, often hold non-profit status, and donor funding is not always sufficient for such costly operations.

A limited liability company (LLC) has the right to enter into contracts with international partners, any organizations, donors, and charitable foundations. This, in turn, makes it possible to create joint projects with foreign experts and organizations specializing in demining, including funding.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Registering an LLC

1. Determining the list of participants, ownership structure, charter capital amount, and company name

At the initial stage, a decision to establish the company must be prepared, and the name must be checked for uniqueness in the Unified State Register of Legal Entities. Then, determine the participants and the distribution of shares in the charter capital.

2. Choosing KVED codes 

For activities in the field of humanitarian demining, the following economic activity codes are appropriate:

• 39.00 Other waste management activities (primary)
• 38.11 Collection of non-hazardous waste
• 38.12 Collection of hazardous waste
• 38.22 Treatment and disposal of hazardous waste

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list. Depending on the specific nature of your company’s operations and the certifications you plan to obtain for demining, the list may vary. That is why it is important to consult with sector-specific experts before making a final decision.

3. Preparing incorporation documents

You need to draft the LLC Charter. This is the main document that governs the operation of your company, from decision-making to profit distribution and the withdrawal of participants. If your goal is real business protection, transparent relationships between partners, and avoiding conflicts in the future, it is important to take an individual approach to drafting this document.

You will also need to prepare the following additional documents:

• Minutes of the general meeting of the founders
• Decision on the appointment of the director
• Other documents required for LLC formation

4. Submitting documents to the state registrar

The application for LLC registration, signed by the founders or an authorized representative, along with the full set of documents, must be submitted to the Center for Administrative Services, the state registrar, or a notary authorized to perform registration actions.

Alternatively, LLC registration can be completed through the online "Diia" platform. It is essential to carefully complete all forms during the online process. 

5. Receiving an extract and entry into the Unified State Register

After successful registration, the company receives an extract from the Unified State Register of Legal Entities and is officially recognized as a taxpayer.

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Specifics of Establishing an LLC for Humanitarian Demining

Establishing a limited liability company for humanitarian demining activities involves particular requirements.

1. The company must employ at least six qualified specialists with relevant experience and certifications confirming their competence in demining operations.
2. It is necessary to ensure the availability of material and technical resources for demining activities, including facilities, equipment, and machinery.
3. To obtain certification for humanitarian demining, the company must develop a quality management system, internal policies on occupational safety, fire safety, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and documentation for information management, among others.

Obtaining a License for Humanitarian Demining

A company acquires the status of a mine action operator upon the issuance of a certificate of compliance with mine action processes. This certificate of compliance serves as the official basis for registering the company as a mine action operator and authorizes it to provide services in this field.

The following mine action processes are subject to certification:

• Non-technical survey
• Technical survey
• Manual demining
• Clearance of former combat zones
• Procedures for neutralizing mines and explosive remnants of war
• Risk education for the population regarding mines and explosive remnants of war
• Demining using machinery and equipment
• Use of mine detection canine units

To summarize all the requirements, obtaining a certificate requires the following:

1. A registered business entity;
2. Qualified personnel with verified expertise to carry out demining operations;
3. Implementation of a quality management system and compliance with established mine action process requirements, including DSTU 8820 and subclause 4.1.2 of DSTU EN ISO/IEC 17065;
4. Adherence to safety requirements outlined in CMU Resolutions No. 372 of April 17, 2019, and No. 444 of June 26, 2013;
5. Technical equipment that meets the required standards and has undergone proper inspection and certification.

The list of documents submitted to the certification department to obtain a license for humanitarian demining is quite extensive. Below are the main documents that must be attached to the application:

• Copies of the applicant company's founding and registration documents
• Information on the qualifications and practical experience of personnel, including proof of specialized education and completion of specific training
• Job descriptions for personnel
• Documents related to quality management systems
• Information on personnel management, including procedures for hiring, dismissal, training, and professional development
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for information management, medical support, safety measures, and environmental protection
• Information about the equipment used to perform the processes submitted for certification, as well as documents confirming the equipment’s serviceability and compliance with operational requirements

Additional documents required for certification may also be attached to the application package.

How to Complete the Licensing Process Without Unnecessary Risks

Obtaining a license for humanitarian demining is a complex procedure that requires in-depth knowledge of legislation, standards, and the practical nuances of working with regulatory authorities. Without the proper knowledge and experience, this process can be not only extremely difficult but also highly stressful. However, it becomes much easier with a legal expert by your side.

We have specialized in supporting licensing procedures for more than 15 years, helping companies secure permits quickly and without unnecessary complications. Our extensive experience allows us to approach each case with a deep understanding of this field, avoid common applicant mistakes, and anticipate potential rejections or delays.

Our team supports you at every stage, handling all legal complexities. We:

• thoroughly review your documents for full compliance with requirements;
• help draft accurate applications that avoid rejections;
• prepare policies and procedures in line with current regulations;
• provide complete legal support, from LLC registration to final license issuance.

This approach helps reduce the risk of delays, saves time and resources, and most importantly, ensures a smooth licensing process that opens the door to work in the field of humanitarian demining.

Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step toward obtaining your license without unnecessary delays.