Customs visa-free regime began its work in Ukraine from October 01, 2022. It operates with EU countries and implies simplified customs clearance for the movement of goods across borders.

What is a customs visa-free

Customs visa-free is the accession of Ukraine to the European Union Convention on the Joint Transit Procedure and the Convention on the Facilitation of Formalities in Trade in Goods. Now, cargo from and to Ukraine can pass through the territory of 35 countries participating in the Conventions with the issuance of only one transit document and a single guarantee.

To track the movement of goods, a special NCTS system is used, by which customs officers can see where the vehicle carrying the goods is currently located.

This became possible after the invitation of the European Commission of Ukraine in July 2022 to join the Convention, the approval of this by the Verkhovna Rada in August and the signing of the law by the President.

What does customs visa-freedom mean

Customs visa-free for Ukraine allows you to avoid customs formalities when crossing transit borders. The company issues only one transit document, which is needed for the customs authorities of the country of departure of the goods and the recipient country.

The complex system of issuing permits for the movement of goods is being terminated.

Visa-free travel allows you to significantly increase the volume of road transport in the conditions of the transport blockade of Ukrainian ports.

Motor transport can cross an unlimited number of borders, make optimal or convenient ways of cargo movement. There is also no restriction on the time spent by drivers in the EU. “Rights” Ukrainian drivers are fully recognized, without the need to obtain international licenses.

The customs visa-free regime for goods will last 1 year. However, it is expected to be extended indefinitely.

What it gives

After the start of the customs visa-free regime, it is expected:

  • reducing the cost of goods and
  • increasing the speed of their delivery

due to the reduction of bureaucratic procedures for exporters/importers and carriers. This will affect not only Ukrainian citizens and companies, but also Europeans.

The European market is expected to be saturated with goods from Ukraine, which will make it possible to smooth out the deficit that has arisen due to the destruction of a number of supply chains.

Joining the Conventions will allow Ukrainian carriers to get on their feet, whose companies have been forced to transfer their business to Europe in recent years due to difficulties with the permit system. Now they will be able to return home, which will reduce their costs and, consequently, increase their profits.