Moving to Ukraine

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

  • Copy of passport
  • Copy of visa
  • Original bill of lading / express release / sea waybill / air waybill
  • Packing list
  • Pro-forma invoice
  • Copy of diplomatic card (diplomats)
  • Embassy certificate of accreditation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (diplomat)
  • Letter to Customs officials from the Embassy (diplomat)
  • Immigration card (non-diplomats)
  • Work permit (non-diplomats)
  • Employment contract (non-diplomats)
  • Employer registration certificate (non-diplomats)
  • Employment confirmation (diplomats must submit on Embassy letterhead)
  • Temporary import obligation (non-diplomats)
  • Letter from owner of the goods’ organization requesting Customs procedures (non-diplomats)
  • Detailed inventory lists
  • Separate list of art objects (non-diplomats)
  • Separate list of all electrical appliances with serial number; if possible, an original purchase receipt should be attached for all items listed
  • Separate list of antique items (all items produced before 1945)
  • Separate list of all books issued before 1939 (must include name of author and year of issue)
  • Customs declaration

Specific Information

  • For non-diplomats the employment contract is needed in case the work permit is not ready
  • It is recommended that DVDs, CDs, and audio and videotapes be packaged into separate sealed boxes.
  • Temporary import of any quantity of CDs and DVDs is allowed, but the owner of the goods must move the equal quantity of CDs and DVDs.
    • If CDs or DVDs were not brought, than the owner of the goods is allowed to take 20 CDs/DVDs.
  • The detailed inventory lists must include a detailed description of each item, total number of pieces, Customs value for each item, total value for customs purposes, which must align with value on Pro-forma invoice (not needed for Diplomats).
  • Non-diplomats do not need a separate list of art objects if it is modern (after 1970) art for free circulation within Ukraine.
  • If you do not have a DIP card, service card, work permit / contract, permanent residence permit, or are a returning Ukrainian then every in-bound shipment is subject to the issuance of a Customs declaration for each Harmonized System code (HS code).
  • The cost of the Customs declaration will be determined during Customs clearance.
  • The owner of the goods’ organization mentioned on the air waybill must be registered in Ukraine.
  • If there is no detailed inventory list for any shipment, the Customs officer is entitled to make an intensive inspection and evaluate every item; this process can range from approximately 3 to 10 working days, which may result in an increase in Customs fees and value added tax (VAT) to be paid by the owner of the goods.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Certificate of title / registration
  • Original bill of lading / air waybill
  • Purchase invoice

Specific Information

  • All imported vehicles are subject to Customs duties, excise and value added tax (VAT), which are based upon predetermined fee schedules as well as vehicle characteristics including engine type and cubic capacity.
  • Individuals entering Ukraine with work visa or DIP card are allowed duty free import of a motor vehicle for one year with further prolongation.
  • Customs clearance of the vehicle carried out at the checkpoints across the state border of Ukraine. 

Pets

Documents Required

  • Certificate of vaccination
  • Veterinary health certificate
  • Pet passport

Specific Information

  • Permission from the Embassy in the Ukraine is required for the import of live animals.
  • The Veterinary Health Certificate must bear the seal of a licensed veterinarian in the origin country, issued within 10 days of arrival.
  • Dogs and cats under 3 months of age cannot be imported.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

  • The following items may qualify for free import if within the limits indicated in accompanied luggage only:
    • Wine (2 L) and spirits (more than 22% alcohol by volume) (1 L), beer (5 L)
    • Cigarettes (200), cigars (50), tobacco products (250 g); only persons above 18 years old may import tobacco products.

Prohibited Items

  • Weapons of all kinds
  • Medicines and chemicals
  • Pornography
  • Narcotics and drugs
  • Toxic and radioactive materials
  • Alcohol and food items
  • Live plants and seeds
  • Skins and animal furs
  • Feathers and items containing feathers
  • Cleaning and washing materials
  • Items under pressure and flammables
  • Jewelry
  • Currency and bank notes
  • Tobacco
  • Pigeons

Consignment Instructions

Recommended:  Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Cultural and Other Information