CURRENT PROBLEMS OF FORENSIC COMMODITY EXPERTISE: THEORETICAL APPROACHES AND PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS

Abstract

In the context of rapid changes in the economic environment, technological progress, digitalization, and European integration, forensic commodity expertise in Ukraine is faced with a number of complex problems that require systematic analysis and the search for effective solutions. The article provides a comprehensive analysis of modern problems of forensic commodity expertise as an important component of forensic expertise. The regulatory and legal principles of the functioning of expert institutions, methodological support, the level of professional training and qualifications of experts, as well as the technical equipment of laboratories are studied. Particular attention is paid to the challenges that arise in the context of the digitalization of judicial proceedings, European integration, martial law and the development of new technologies, which significantly affect the quality and reliability of expert opinions. The article outlines the key problems of the industry: the lack of a single methodological base and agreed standards, a shortage of highly specialized personnel, limited access to current market information, inconsistency of regulatory acts, insufficient funding and a high level of workload on expert institutions. It is shown that these problems are both objective in nature (economic instability, market dynamics, technological progress) and subjective (expert qualifications, outdated methods, organizational shortcomings). The directions for improving forensic expertise in the field of commodity science are proposed: harmonization of national legislation with international standards, creation of a single methodological base and electronic registers of expert opinions, introduction of modern information technologies and automated data analysis systems, development of a system of continuous professional training and advanced training of experts. The importance of integrating European experience, a transparent certification system, declaring conflicts of interest and ensuring the independence of experts is noted. Thus, the study has practical significance for improving forensic expertise in Ukraine, increasing its efficiency, transparency and compliance with international standards, which is especially relevant in the current conditions of justice transformation.