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Ukraine Import / Export

Customs clearance between Ukraine, Germany and the European Union

When is customs clearance relevant?

Customs clearance is required in the following cases:

  • Import of goods from Ukraine into the EU

  • Export of goods from the EU to Ukraine

  • Transit and transit procedures

  • Deliveries of preferential origin

  • Goods as part of a residential or business relocation

Special features of EU-Ukraine trade

The movement of goods between the European Union and Ukraine is subject to special customs and market access requirements:

  • Application of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement

  • Use of preferential schemes (e.g. EUR.1 if origin requirements are met)

  • increased requirements for origin and document verification

  • Quality and conformity requirements according to EU standards, especially for sensitive goods

  • Compliance with EU labelling and marking regulations (e.g. language, mandatory information)

  • regularly updated practical customs procedures

Failure to meet product or labeling requirements may lead to delays, additional requests, or rejections.

EUR.1 in trade with Ukraine

For many goods deliveries between the EU and Ukraine, a preferential certificate EUR.1 may be relevant.

Brief overview:

  • enables customs reduction or customs exemption

  • Permitted only if rules of origin are met.

  • Formal errors often lead to the rejection of the preference.

Details & Requirements: EUR.1 – Explanation & Requirements

Typical required documents

(depending on the individual case)

  • Commercial invoice

  • Packing list

  • Transport documents

  • Certificates of origin / preferential documents

  • Possibly powers of attorney or additional documentation

We will clarify the specific documents required before submitting the customs declaration.

Typical customs risks

  • faulty or missing proof of origin

  • incomplete or contradictory documents

  • False assumptions about preferential tariffs

  • Delays at border customs offices

Who is this page relevant for?

  • Ukrainian exporters with delivery terms DAP or DDP

  • Ukrainian importers with EXW delivery terms

  • EU companies with trade in goods with Ukraine

  • Freight forwarders without their own customs department

Unsere Rolle in der Zollabfertigung

We support you through:

  • Examination of documents before customs declaration

  • Customs clearance by direct representation in accordance with Article 18 UCC

  • Classification of suitable customs and preference procedures

  • Communication with the relevant customs offices

Working languages: German, Russian, Ukrainian, English
Professional experience in customs and foreign trade: since 1997

Contact & Initial Assessment

Are you planning an import or export with Ukraine?


Send us the key details – we will review the process and provide a realistic customs assessment.

Frequently asked questions about import and export between the EU and Ukraine

Question: Is customs clearance required for trade with Ukraine?
Answer: Yes. Ukraine is not a member of the European Union, therefore customs declarations are required for both imports into the EU and exports from the EU.

Question: Are there any special regulations for trade with Ukraine?
Answer: Depending on the goods, special customs regulations, preferential certificates or temporary relief measures may apply, which must be checked individually.

Question: Which goods are subject to particularly intensive scrutiny when trading with Ukraine?
Answer: Frequently affected are goods requiring extensive explanation, vehicles, machinery, foodstuffs, and goods with preferential origin.

Question: What documents are required for import or export?
Answer: As a rule, invoice, packing list, transport documents and, if applicable, proof of origin or approval are required.

Question: What are the typical risks associated with customs clearance with Ukraine?
Answer: Typical risks include unclear proof of origin, incorrect valuations, incomplete documents, or incorrect assumptions about special regulations.

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