One of the key functions of the customs authorities is to control the movement of goods and personal belongings across the border. In order to avoid troubles and confiscation when crossing the border of Ukraine, it is important to be aware of and follow customs rules. Find out what you can import or export to/from Ukraine and which goods are subject to prohibitions or restrictions

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside of Ukraine

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Today, entering and leaving Ukraine is a common practice for many people. Crossing the border requires compliance with certain rules and restrictions that are controlled by the customs authorities.

The purpose of these rules is to ensure the security of the country and to prohibit the import or export of goods that may pose a threat to public health, the environment, or violate law and order.

Here's a look at what tourists can and cannot bring, and what customs rules are currently in effect in Ukraine.

Customs rules of Ukraine: what can be imported 

In order to avoid troubles at the border related to leaving purchased gifts, souvenirs and other goods that are subject to import restrictions, it is important to carefully read the Customs Code of Ukraine and familiarize yourself with the rules.

The Customs Regulations of Ukraine contain a list of goods that can be imported into our country without declaration and taxation, as well as those that require a special permit. 

The first category includes:

• Money

• Personal belongings and valuables

• Food products

• Tobacco and alcohol products

As for money, you can bring into Ukraine an amount equivalent to a maximum of 10 thousand euros without a written declaration. If the amount exceeds this limit, you must have a bank certificate confirming its origin.

The category of personal belongings and valuables includes:

• Items for personal use

• Souvenirs and gifts

• Works of art and valuable books

When traveling by air, gifts and souvenirs can be imported tax-free for an amount not exceeding one thousand euros, with a maximum weight set by the air carrier. 

Such goods may be imported by car free of duty in the amount equivalent to EUR 500 and weighing up to 50 kg.

Personal use goods such as cosmetics, clothing, photographic equipment, etc. are not subject to taxation. 

Jewelry that shows signs of use is also not taxed. Works of art and rare books with cultural or historical value must be declared and are subject to customs duties.

As for foodstuffs for personal consumption, it is allowed to import up to 200 euros per person weighing no more than 2 kg. 

You can import without customs payments and declaration:

• 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars

• 2 liters of wine

• 5 liters of beer

• one liter of spirits containing 22 percent or more alcohol

These permits are granted only to persons who have reached the age of 18. If you stayed abroad for less than a day, you will have to pay a duty for any amount of tobacco and alcohol products. 

Special permits are required to import firearms and cold steel, gas canisters, explosives, and pets. 

As for medicines, you are allowed to import no more than 5 packages of one type. And the import of narcotic or psychotropic drugs is possible only with the permission of the Ministry of Health.

What is prohibited to import to Ukraine

It is important to remember that there is a complete ban on the importation of a number of goods into Ukraine, including explosives and poisonous substances, food products without the appropriate certificate, pornographic materials, as well as video and printed materials that promote violence, racism and war.

Prohibited goods also include:

• Weapons and ammunition of all kinds

• Narcotic and psychotropic substances

• Potent poisonous, radioactive and explosive materials

• Materials that promote violence, racism and genocide

• Pornographic products

• Goods that violate intellectual property rights

These prohibitions and restrictions exist to ensure safety, public order and the preservation of moral and cultural values. 

Violation of these rules may result in legal consequences and confiscation of prohibited goods.

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Export from the territory of Ukraine: rules

Customs regulations contain information not only about the goods that may or may not be imported into Ukraine, but also about the requirements for exporting goods from the country. 

In particular, it is important to note that in order to export goods without a written declaration, their total value must be less than 10 thousand euros. In addition, these goods must not:

• Exceed the established norms in terms of volume

• Be included in the list of goods prohibited for export

If the value of the goods exceeds 10 thousand euros, but they are not included in the list of prohibited goods, then a written declaration must be submitted and export duty must be paid when exporting them. 

It is important to note that the rule regarding the payment of tax on the export of goods worth more than EUR 10,000 does not apply if the goods are exported in connection with the person's departure for permanent residence in another country.

Goods prohibited for export from Ukraine include:

• Weapons and ammunition of various types

• Narcotic and psychotropic substances

• Potent poisonous, radioactive and explosive materials

• Artistic, cultural and historical values

• Canceled securities

• Goods that violate intellectual property rights

Certain goods are also prohibited for transit through Ukraine, including weapons, aircraft, weapons manufacturing machines, narcotics, radioactive materials, and other hazardous substances that may cause harm to health or the environment.

What a foreigner should take care of when entering Ukraine

Even despite the threats associated with the full-scale invasion of russia, foreign citizens continue to visit Ukraine, both on business and for tourist purposes. 

Therefore, when traveling, it is worth remembering the current rules for crossing the Ukrainian border, the documents required for this purpose, and other important aspects that will help a foreigner prepare for a trip to Ukraine.

Also, take care of reliable health insurance. Insurance is mandatory when visiting Ukraine, but we recommend choosing insurance policies with military risk coverage, which cover not only basic medical services and treatment, but also unforeseen circumstances related to war. You can buy insurance covering military risks by following the link.  

If you are interested in moving to another country, you can learn more about the entry rules, required documents and current restrictions through a special form on the Visit Ukraine portal. Select your citizenship and country of arrival to get all the information you need in two clicks.

Photo: KinoMasterDnepr/Depositphotos

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