What can be imported and exported from Ukraine: customs rules for crossing the border

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

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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 customs authorities.

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

We tell you what a tourist can and cannot import, and what customs rules are in effect in Ukraine in 2025.

If you are also interested in the issue of the safety of traveling to Ukraine during martial law, be sure to read whether it is safe in Ukraine now.

Customs rules of Ukraine: what can be imported?

To avoid troubles at the border associated with leaving purchased gifts, souvenirs and other goods for the import of which there are restrictions, it is important to carefully familiarize yourself with the Customs Code of Ukraine and the current rules based on this code.

The Customs Rules of Ukraine list goods that can be imported into our country without declaration and taxation, as well as those for which a special permit is required.

What can be imported into Ukraine without declaration and taxation?

Citizens of Ukraine who cross the border no more than once every 72 hours have the right to import goods duty-free within the following limits: with a total value of up to 500 euros, up to 50 kg of total weight.

When traveling by plane, gifts and souvenirs can be imported tax-free for an amount not exceeding 1,000 euros, with a maximum weight set by the air carrier.

These rules do not apply to personal belongings that are not subject to taxation at all (unless they are in commercial quantities).

What is included in the list of items for “personal use” and valuables?

Personal belongings at customs are those that do not have signs of commerce: quantity, packaging, transportation conditions, accompanying documents. The list of things for personal use includes:

- Clothes in a suitcase (for 1 person).

- 1 mobile phone, 1 laptop, 1 camera.

- Cosmetics in quantities for personal needs (up to 1-2 units of each type).

- Jewelry that shows signs of use are also not taxed.

Important! If the items are new, have packaging or are in quantities of more than 1 piece - the customs officer may recognize them as goods for sale.

Norms for importing food into Ukraine in 2025

Food products for personal consumption are allowed to be imported in the amount of up to €200 per person. All products must be in the original factory packaging, without breaking the seal, with appropriate labeling.

In general, you can transport:

1. Fruits and vegetables - up to 2 kg, without signs of spoilage.

2. Sandwiches, snacks, water, juices, sweets in packaging.

3. Coffee, tea - up to 0.5 kg

It is strictly forbidden to import meat, meat products, as well as milk and dairy products into Ukraine. The following categories are prohibited:

1. Sausages, hot dogs, lard.

2. Cheeses, fermented milk products, cottage cheese.

3. Fresh meat and milk.

In addition, there are restrictions on the import of fruits and vegetables - no more than 5 kg per person, and the import of seedlings, seeds and cut plants without special permission is also prohibited.

When crossing the border, there are also restrictions on the import of fish and marine products: it is allowed to transport up to 20 kg of fish or seafood per person or 1 fish if its weight is 20 kg or more.

Special rules apply to rare species, such as sturgeon. For example, a special permit is required to import more than 125 g of sturgeon caviar.

Norms for transporting alcohol and tobacco into Ukraine as of 2025

Persons who have reached the age of 18 have the right to transport the following volumes of alcoholic and tobacco products across the border without paying taxes:

- Up to 1 liter of strong alcohol (vodka, cognac, etc.).

- Up to 2 liters of wine.

- Up to 40 cigarettes or 50 g of tobacco.

Attention: Exceeding the specified norms is considered as importing goods for commercial purposes and is subject to taxation.

Attempting to conceal alcohol or tobacco while crossing the border is considered a customs offense (Article 472 of the Customs Code of Ukraine).

Importing equipment and gifts

Home appliances and gadgets are one of the most common reasons for exceeding the tax-free limit at the border. To avoid problems, follow these rules:

1. A gift is considered to be a product without packaging, in a limited quantity - no more than one unit of each type.

2. Any equipment is subject to mandatory declaration if:

- has factory packaging;

- costs more than 500 euros;

- exceeds 1 unit of the same type per person (for example, two smartphones or two laptops).

If you are carrying, for example, 3 smartphones - they need to be declared and, probably, you will have to pay duty.

Tip! Always keep receipts for the purchased equipment - this will help confirm its value in the event of an inspection.

What medicines can be imported into Ukraine?

Regarding medicines, it is allowed to import no more than 5 packages of the same type for personal use. For serious drugs, you need a prescription from a doctor.

Importing narcotic or psychotropic drugs is possible only with the permission of the Ministry of Health.

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How much cash can be imported into Ukraine in 2025?

Without declaring, individuals can import cash in the amount of up to €10,000 or the equivalent of this amount in another currency.

Here are a few nuances to remember:

- The equivalent of €10,000 is determined at the official exchange rate set by the NBU on the day of movement.

- The basis for exporting or sending currency in the equivalent of more than 10,000 euros is documents confirming the withdrawal of cash from one's own bank accounts and a receipt for the currency exchange transaction with this cash exclusively for the amount exceeding the equivalent of 10,000 euros on the day of export or sending.

- Documents confirming the withdrawal of cash from one's own bank accounts are valid for 90 calendar days.

If the amount is higher, a written customs declaration must be submitted together with confirmation of the origin of the funds (for example, a bank statement).

Transporting funds across EU borders

The European Union has its own rules for transporting cash across the borders of its states.

If the value of the currency exceeds 10,000 euros, the person is obliged to declare it to the competent authorities of the EU state whose border is crossed and to provide the cash for control.

The obligation is considered unfulfilled if:

- the information provided is incorrect;

- the information provided is incomplete;

- the cash is not provided for control.

Please note! A person can transport cash regardless of their age, however, a child under 18 must have it with them, i.e. in their own luggage, not in their parents' luggage.

If you have any questions about the permitted amounts of currency, the export of valuables, or the correct declaration of items, contact our lawyers. Consulting with a migration lawyer will help you avoid violations and fines when crossing the Ukrainian border.

Customs clearance of vehicles when crossing the border

In the case of entering or leaving Ukraine by car, separate customs rules apply. To cross the border, you must have the following documents:

1. Technical passport of the vehicle.

2. International insurance “Green Card”, which is a mandatory document for most European countries.

3. Driver's license.

4. Notarized power of attorney - if the car belongs to another person.

Regarding fuel: it is allowed to import a full tank + no more than 10 liters in a canister. Everything that exceeds this volume is considered goods and is subject to declaration and, if necessary, taxation.

The current rules for the presence of a car with a foreign registration in the territory of Ukraine in our material.

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What cannot be imported into Ukraine?

According to current legislation, the import of certain categories of goods into the territory of Ukraine is prohibited or restricted without appropriate documents. These include:

- Weapons and ammunition – allowed only with a special permit.

- Narcotics, psychotropic drugs, potent drugs – prohibited without a prescription or permit.

- Plants and seeds – require a phytosanitary certificate.

- Pets – require a veterinary passport, vaccinations and a microchip.

- Cultural values ​​– their import requires a permit from the Ministry of Culture.

- Cash over 10,000 euros – a written customs declaration must be filled out.

What is strictly prohibited from being imported into Ukraine?

Goods strictly prohibited from being imported into Ukraine include:

- Pornographic materials

- Products without markings or with counterfeit labels

- Toxic and poisonous substances

- Printed or electronic materials with calls for violence, hostility or violation of the integrity of the state.

Such items are not just confiscated, but can also become grounds for initiating criminal proceedings. Customs authorities have the right to seize, detain a person and further refer them to the competent authorities.

Export from the territory of Ukraine: rules

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

- Exceed the established norms in terms of volume

If the value of the goods exceeds EUR 10 thousand, 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.

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

- Cancelled securities