Customs may confiscate or impose fines: gifts that cannot be transported to Ukraine

During the holiday season, thousands of Ukrainians bring gifts to their relatives from abroad and send parcels home, without always thinking about customs regulations. However, some items may not be allowed into the country, may be confiscated, or may result in fines for violating regulations — and instead of joy, the holiday will turn into problems. Find out how to avoid fines, delays and trouble at customs

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During the Christmas and New Year holidays, Ukrainians often cross the border with bags full of gifts and send parcels to their relatives. But it is important to note that not all goods are allowed to be imported and shipped, and violations of the rules can result in fines, confiscation, and a ruined mood. With reference to UNIAN, we explain which gifts cannot be imported into Ukraine, what is prohibited from being sent by post, and how to avoid problems at customs.

What is prohibited from being imported into Ukraine from Poland and other countries

Ukraine has rules that are similar to European standards. They determine which items customs will not allow under any circumstances and which are permitted only if certain rules and restrictions are observed.

The following items are prohibited from import:

– weapons, ammunition and special equipment without official permission;

– narcotic and psychotropic substances, as well as potent medicines without a prescription;

– plants, seeds, seedlings without a phytosanitary certificate;

– animals without a veterinary passport, microchipping and the necessary vaccinations;

– cultural and historical valuables without permission from the Ministry of Culture;

– cash in excess of €10,000 without a written declaration.

Alcohol, tobacco and food

These categories are conditionally permitted – they can only be imported with restrictions.

Alcohol and tobacco – only for adults:

– no more than 1 litre of strong alcohol or 2 litres of wine;

– no more than 40 cigarettes or 50 g of tobacco.

❗️Exceeding the limits will result in confiscation and a fine.

The rules are even stricter for food. You cannot import:

– raw meat, lard, sausage products;

– dairy products;

– homemade preserves and canned goods;

– perishable products.

Only products for personal consumption are allowed, in small quantities and in their original packaging.

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Appliances and gifts: when to declare

Many people bring phones, gadgets, household appliances and other gifts to Ukraine. However, in some cases, they must be declared.

Declaration is mandatory if:

– the value of gifts exceeds €500;

– more than one item of the same type is imported;

– the goods are new and in their original packaging.

In this case, you must go through the ‘red corridor’, declare the items and pay customs duty and VAT on the excess amount.

Goods can be imported without customs duties if:

– their total value does not exceed €500;

– their total weight does not exceed 50 kg;

– the person does not cross the border more than once every 72 hours.

Personal belongings (clothing, laptop, phone, hygiene products, children's items, medicines within the limits of necessity) are not subject to customs duties if they do not show signs of commercial import. However, if inspectors find undeclared goods, a fine of up to 100% of the value and confiscation are possible.

What cannot be sent by post

Postal operators are also required to comply with Ukrainian customs regulations. Therefore, certain categories of goods are not accepted for shipment.

The following items cannot be sent:

– prohibited food products: meat, lard, sausages, dairy products, homemade food, preserves;

– alcohol, spirits, beer;

– cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, vaping liquids;

– medicines, vitamins and dietary supplements that do not comply with requirements (only factory packaging is allowed, weight – up to 10 kg, no temperature control);

– liquids without permits (perfumes, alcohol-based cosmetics, varnishes, chemicals);

– aerosols and pressurised cylinders;

– cash, bank cards, currency;

– jewellery, precious metals and stones;

– passports, identity cards, licences, employment records and other important documents.

Partially restricted for shipment:

– lithium batteries, power banks;

– drones;

– mobile phones;

– electric scooters, gyro scooters, electric bicycles;

– generators and charging stations.

Strictly prohibited:

weapons and ammunition, fireworks and pyrotechnics, flammable substances, chemically hazardous materials, drugs, as well as animals, plants and antiques.

The main rule: honest description of the parcel

If the contents do not match what is stated in the declaration, the parcel may be detained, returned to the sender or confiscated. Therefore, before sending, it is better to clarify all the details and make sure that the gift is definitely allowed for shipment or import.

How to avoid problems at customs

– Check the current rules and restrictions in advance.

– Keep receipts and proof of the value of gifts.

– Do not exceed the weight and value limits.

– Declare technical equipment and expensive gifts.

– Do not try to hide prohibited items — fines and confiscation are more expensive.

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