New €3 Flat Customs Duty on Parcels from Ukraine to the EU Takes Effect July 1, 2026.

Updated EU Customs and Tax Rules for Ukrainian Parcels

According to Espreso.tv: Starting July 1, 2026, the European Union will implement revised customs and tax regulations for parcels arriving from Ukraine, introducing a fixed customs duty and VAT on goods. These changes follow the EU Council's approval of new rules for small parcel imports in February 2026. For English-speaking readers, this update is particularly relevant for Ukrainians living in Europe who frequently send gifts or goods back home.

Key Changes

Under the new provisions, a flat customs fee of €3 will apply to small parcels from Ukraine. Non-commercial shipments valued up to €45 can be sent without incurring customs duties. Meanwhile, VAT rates vary by EU member state—23% in Poland and 19% in Germany, for instance. This means Ukrainians residing in Europe can send small gifts without facing significant costs.

Approximately 4.4 million Ukrainians currently living in Ukraine stand to benefit from these new shipping conditions. However, Ukrposhta has introduced a restriction on gift parcels: no more than 5 shipments per month from a single sender to EU countries. This measure aims to prevent potential abuse of the system.

Olga Kalnytska noted that 'the duty depends not on the value of the goods, but on the number of product categories within a single parcel.'

This nuance could affect how Ukrainians plan their shipments. Additionally, Ukrposhta warns that 'any intentional concealment of information may lead to prolonged delays,' underscoring the need to comply fully with all requirements when sending parcels.

Furthermore, the EU's central customs data hub is expected to become operational in 2028, which could streamline customs processing and oversight. These changes are part of broader EU efforts to refine customs regulations and facilitate the import of goods from Ukraine.

The introduction of these new customs rules offers Ukrainians living in Europe simplified conditions for sending small parcels, potentially helping maintain ties with family and friends in Ukraine. The cap on shipment numbers also reflects authorities' attempts to control goods flows and prevent misuse, an important factor in the evolving economic relationship between Ukraine and the EU.