What cannot be transported across the border from food: restrictions on entering and leaving Ukraine

When crossing the border, Ukrainians and guests of Ukraine often want to take food or home-made delicacies with them. However, it is important to remember the rules of customs control. Find out what products can be imported into and exported from Ukraine

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Crossing the state border always requires careful preparation, especially when it comes to transporting food. The customs regulations of Ukraine strictly regulate the import and export of food for personal use. Depending on the direction (entry or exit), there are different rules and restrictions. We explain the key rules that you should pay attention to.

General requirements for transporting food

When crossing the border, food is subject to sanitary and epizootic control. This is necessary to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and pests. It is important to follow the following rules:

Food imported for personal consumption must be in the original packaging or carefully packaged to preserve the integrity of the labelling and quality certificates.

Please note that citizens are usually allowed to import food worth no more than EUR 200 per person, while weight restrictions are imposed on each item - no more than one standard unit per package or a total weight of up to 2 kg, and no more than 2 kg of each item if it is transported unpackaged.

These general provisions apply to both entry and exit to Ukraine, but the specifics of the restrictions may vary.

Restrictions on entry to Ukraine

Products allowed to be imported

When entering Ukraine, you can bring food for personal consumption if it meets the following requirements:

Food products in their original packaging. If they are intended for retail sale, then no more than one package or a total weight of up to 2 kg of each item is allowed.

Food without packaging. It is allowed to carry no more than 2 kg of each item (for example, fresh vegetables or fruits). However, products of animal origin transported without original packaging may face additional inspections and, in case of violation of sanitary standards, may be banned from importation.

Canned food, beverages, dry food. Tea, coffee, sugar, canned food and other goods that have passed quality control are allowed without any special restrictions, provided that the value and weight are met.

Products that raise questions from customs officers

According to the explanations of the State Customs Service, the category of products that require special attention or additional permission upon entry includes

Animal products. This includes fresh meat, milk, cheese and dairy products, as they can serve as carriers of infections. They are not allowed to be imported without appropriate certificates and veterinary control.

Fish and seafood in large quantities. For example, if the total weight of fish products exceeds the established norms (some sources mention a limit of 20 kg or requirements for permits for large volumes), you may need to obtain a special permit.

Thus, if you are planning to enter Ukraine with food, be sure to make sure that all products meet the requirements - they have original packaging, correct labelling, and their value and weight do not exceed the established limits.

In addition, remember that entering Ukraine during wartime requires careful attention to security. We recommend taking out a health insurance policy covering military risks. You can apply for such insurance in a few minutes on Visit Ukraine.

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Restrictions when leaving Ukraine

What is prohibited to take out

When leaving the country, the customs service pays special attention to those categories of products that may pose a threat to public health or violate sanitary and epidemiological standards. These products include:

Products of animal origin. The Ukrainian authorities strictly limit the export of fresh meat, lard, sausages and other meat products, as well as dairy products (cheese, milk, fermented milk products). These goods may be regarded as contraband or as an attempt to illegally export food without the necessary permits.

Certain types of fish products. For example, transporting more than 20 kg of fish or 125 g of sturgeon caviar without a special permit is prohibited. Such restrictions are in place to protect the local market and maintain sanitary standards.

Medicines. Although this category does not only apply to food, many products containing bioactive additives may be subject to additional restrictions if they are not accompanied by a prescription or authorisation from the relevant authorities.

If prohibited goods are detected at the exit from Ukraine, customs services have the right not only to confiscate these products, but also to impose penalties. This may include significant fines or even a temporary travel ban.

Recommendations for those exporting food

If you plan to export food from Ukraine, we recommend that you:

1. familiarise yourself with the current requirements and restrictions on the import/export of food products, as they are subject to change.

2. Food for departure should be securely packaged and, if possible, labelled to confirm its origin and compliance with standards.

3. For large quantities or certain types of food (e.g. meat or dairy products), you may need to obtain a special permit or certificate from the government.

4 Keep receipts and supporting documents so that you can prove the value and origin of the goods in the event of an inspection.

In addition to the above recommendations, Ukrainian citizens travelling abroad are advised to take out health insurance, as medical care in Europe can be very expensive.

We remind you! When travelling by train, not all passengers are aware that breaking the rules can result in a hefty fine. Find out what exactly passengers can be fined for when travelling by train and how to avoid punishment.

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