European Commission waives customs duties and VAT on import of life-saving goods for Ukrainians

On 1 July, the European Commission adopted a decision allowing member states to temporarily waive customs duties and VAT on imports from third countries of humanitarian goods intended for war-affected Ukrainians.

This measure will allow state and approved charitable and philanthropic organisations to import without customs duties and VAT food, blankets, tents, electric generators and other life-saving equipment. 

“The war against Ukraine has caused untold suffering, but also showed the depths of EU solidarity. This measure will help Member States to come to the aid of Ukrainians both in the EU and still in their home country, by facilitating the delivery of life-saving humanitarian goods. It is absolutely the right thing to do,”  said Paolo Gentiloni, the European Commissioner for Economy.

This measure will apply retroactively, from 24 February 2022 and will be in place until 31 December 2022.

According to the European Commission, more than 14 million people, or 30% of Ukraine’s population, are estimated to have been displaced. More than 6.2 million Ukrainians made their way to the EU, and nearly 8 million had to flee their homes but remained in Ukraine. 

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Press release