Ukraine Considers Abolishing Tax-Free Limit on International Parcels

Changes to customs rules that propose to abolish the tax-free limit on parcels could affect international purchases and lead to delays in delivery due to additional customs procedures. Experts warn that this could increase illegal imports and complicate the work of volunteers who order goods for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

This was stated in the monitoring service Opendatabot.

Since 2020, Ukraine has received more than 272 million parcels, but only 0.75% of them have been subject to customs. This means that most of the goods people order online go through without paying customs duties. The largest number of parcels was received in 2024 - 75 million, and the state budget received more than UAH 185 million in customs duties. The average amount of duty per parcel last year was about 8 euros.

In four years, only 2 million parcels were subject to customs duties, which brought UAH 668 million to the budget. Compared to 2023, last year's revenues increased by 15%, but due to fluctuations in the euro, the real growth was not as large - only 5%.

Ukraine is currently discussing new bills that could change the situation with customs duties. They propose to abolish the tax-free limit for parcels worth up to 150 euros and introduce VAT on all international parcels. This has prompted a lot of inquiries from postal companies and experts who believe that the innovations could lead to a 20-30% increase in the cost of goods and delays in delivery due to additional customs procedures. For example, to process such a large number of shipments, it will be necessary to increase the number of customs officers, which will require additional funds.

Another important point is the work of volunteers who often order necessary items for the military from abroad. They may face problems, as many goods for the Armed Forces are delivered via international parcels from philanthropists. With these changes, these goods may be delayed, and the process will become more complicated and expensive.

In addition, experts warn that such measures could lead to an increase in "gray" import schemes, when goods cross the border illegally or in violation of the rules.

Last year, Ukraine simplified the conditions for importing energy equipment that is not subject to customs duties and VAT. This applies to goods financed through the Energy Support Fund of Ukraine. The Government adopted a resolution drafted by the Ministry of Energy, which defines the list of energy equipment and goods for the restoration of energy infrastructure that are exempt from VAT and import duties.

The Government also introduced a temporary system of accounting for vehicles received by military personnel as humanitarian aid for the performance of their duties. Procedures for traveling abroad with these vehicles have also been regulated. This decision will help solve the problems that the military used to have when registering the vehicles they received.

Анна Бальчінос