What Can Be Brought Across the Border of Ukraine — in Personal Luggage and Cargo

Customs clearance is a mandatory step when entering or leaving the country. In addition to personal documents, luggage is thoroughly inspected. Customs clearance is also required for commercial goods whose final destination is Ukraine. We will explain more about the intricacies of customs clearance and the limits for imports and exports.

Details of Carrying Goods and Personal Items Across the Border

Customs officers check both commercial cargo and luggage. It doesn’t matter if you are traveling by car, train, or crossing a pedestrian checkpoint. It’s important to know that what and how much can be carried across the Ukrainian border is regulated by the Customs Code. Customs officers are very thorough, both on our side and on the other side of the border. Therefore:

• Personal belongings are passed through a scanner (even small bags), and manual inspection may be conducted upon request.
• Certain items must be declared.
• There is a list of prohibited items for import and export.
• Items delivered in parcels (not personal luggage) are subject to customs evaluation and duty payment if they exceed the limit.
• Violating the rules can result in a fine or denial of entry.

Therefore, experts at DiFFreight recommend analyzing your luggage to avoid delays at the checkpoint and to prevent having to pay customs duty or a fine. For cargo transportation, it’s advisable to use customs brokerage services.

What Can Be Carried Across the Border in a Personal Suitcase Without Declaration

Customs clearance is not required for the following items when entering the country:

• Money. Amount up to 10,000 euros (or the equivalent in another currency) per person. If you are close to the limit, check the official NBU exchange rate, as customs verifies it in this way.
• Personal items: clothing, cosmetics, photo equipment, and more. It is important to remove tags so that customs officers do not assume that you are importing items for resale.
• Souvenirs and gifts. When traveling by car or train, the value should not exceed 500 euros, and the weight must be under 50 kg.
• Excise tobacco and alcohol. Without customs duty, one adult can import up to: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 2 liters of wine, 5 liters of beer, and no more than 1 liter of spirits (over 22 degrees).
• Medicines — no more than 5 packages of one type.
• Food products up to 2 kg with a total value of up to 200 euros.

What can be exported from Ukraine is regulated by the customs laws of other countries and international agreements. For Poland, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova, the rules vary. For example, in Poland, it is prohibited to bring meat and dairy products, as well as homemade preserves. On the Hungarian border, canned goods that meet transport regulations are allowed. Always check the regulations of the country you are traveling to.

What Is Prohibited to Export from Ukraine:

• Weapons and ammunition;
• Drugs, psychotropic substances, and medicines containing them;
• Poisons, radioactive, and explosive substances;
• Artistic, cultural, and historical valuables.

Even an old book or painting older than 50 years will raise questions at customs. In this case, your task is to prove that the items are not of cultural value.

What Can Be Imported into Ukraine Using Logistics Services

If you ordered a parcel from the EU or China, taxes and duties will be applied if the value exceeds 150€.
Commercial cargo is accompanied by a list of documents, a declaration and undergoes customs clearance. The tariff of duties depends on the group of goods (electronics, toys, clothing, jewelry, glassware), materials, and quantity.

Here is a list of what is prohibited to import:

• Weapons, ammunition, explosives, radioactive materials, poisonous chemicals.
• Drugs and psychotropic substances (without a special permit).
• Products containing toxic mixtures and radioactive elements.
• Printed and digital materials containing propaganda of violence, war, or pornography.
• Plants and animals that are subject to international restrictions.

Other special groups are subject to restricted transport rules.

Rules for Transporting Controlled Goods

The first group includes excise goods: cigarettes, alcohol, vehicles (cars, motorcycles, trailers), and fuel. After inspection and counting units/volume, you will need to pay an excise tax (in addition to customs duty and VAT). The second group includes medicines. To import drugs for commercial purposes or those containing narcotic or psychotropic components, a special permit from the Ministry of Health is required.

Documents and Permits for Transporting Cargo

Your cargo delivery from China to Ukraine will undergo customs clearance. For correct cost estimation (and thus customs duties and taxes), the cargo must be accompanied by the following documents:

• Invoice with the number of units, description, and value.
• Packing list — contents, weight, and volume.
• Contract between the companies.
• Certificate of origin.
• Certificate of conformity — if required.
• TTN (transportation waybill) for road delivery.
• Insurance policy.
• Licenses for special groups.

Customs inspection is strict. Missing documents lead not only to delays in the goods but also to sanctions — from fines to confiscation.

Restrictions on the Quantity of Goods When Crossing the Border

Quotas mostly apply to individuals. The above limits on cash amounts, alcohol, gifts, personal items, and hygiene products do not apply to commerce.

According to the Customs Code, customs duties are calculated (depending on the group) based on the number of units, and this is no longer measured in hundreds. If you, as a tourist, bring 12 shirts in your personal luggage, which you have worn, you do not need to pay. However, if it is cargo, customs duty will be charged for the 12 units.

All parcels undergo evaluation and are subject to customs payments unless their value does not exceed €150.

Creating a complete list of what and how much can be carried across the Ukrainian border is not an easy task. Customs rules are complex, and there are many nuances regarding documents and insurance.

It is better to contact professionals in international transportation. The specialists at DiFFreight will prepare your cargo for customs clearance so you don’t have to deal with the intricacies and pitfalls. Schedule a consultation with DiFFreight’s international logistics experts!