Replacement of Banknotes and Customs Reform: What Changed from November 1.

Ukrainians in November face several important changes. The government is introducing new traffic rules and plans to increase taxes. In addition, one should be careful with collecting wood in forests to avoid fines. The main changes in November 2024 were announced by the portal 'Glavkom'.

Changes on the roads

Starting from November 1, 2024, new speed limit rules will apply in all cities of Ukraine. The maximum allowed speed will be 50 km/h. The changes concern only speed limits, while the traffic rules themselves remain unchanged.

Also, on road sections where speeds of up to 80 km/h were previously allowed, new signs will be installed limiting the speed to 50 km/h.

These changes are associated with the transition to the 'winter period', when the level of danger for road users increases. This information was confirmed by the First Deputy Chief of the Patrol Police Department, Oleksiy Biloshytsky.

Banknote Replacement

From November 1, 2024, the National Bank will begin replacing banknotes with denominations of 50 and 200 hryvnias. Old banknotes from 2003–2007 will be gradually replaced with new ones issued later.

It should be noted that citizens do not need to exchange their money. Old banknotes will remain valid payment instruments.

Customs Reform

From November 1, the law on customs reform will come into effect. This bill provides for a customs reset, a competition for the position of head of the State Customs Service, and ensuring the political independence of this body.

Also, all customs employees will be re-certified within 18 months of the appointment of a new head.

End of Lustration Period

As of November 1, the restrictions provided by the law 'On Cleansing of Power' expire. This means that officials from the Yanukovych era can again be appointed to state positions.

The law prohibited appointing individuals to government positions who worked from February 25, 2010, to February 22, 2014. Currently, the register of lustrous individuals contains fewer than 600 names.

Fishing Ban

From November 1, Ukraine introduces a fishing ban in wintering pits. This is done to preserve populations of various fish species.

The ban will last until the beginning of the spring-summer spawning period in 2025. Anglers should be careful, as violating this ban may lead to a fine.

Strengthening Liability for Illegal Logging

The Verkhovna Rada adopted a bill that strengthens criminal and administrative liability for illegal timber trafficking.

For illegal logging, damage or destruction of trees or shrubs, a fine of 34,000 to 85,000 hryvnias will be imposed. For illegal logging of trees in wartime conditions, imprisonment of up to 10 years may be imposed.

Tax Increase

The tax increase bill, adopted by the Rada in October, envisages an increase in the military tax, the introduction of a military tax for private entrepreneurs, and changes in profit tax rates for various categories of taxpayers.

PlayStation Subscription Changes

From November 7, the PlayStation Plus subscription for PlayStation console owners in Ukraine becomes paid for all users. However, this change does not apply to subscriptions purchased before this date.

Sony canceled the free subscription in Ukraine at the end of March 2022, but it is now returning to paid mode.

Considering these changes, Ukrainian PlayStation players must be prepared to pay for the subscription from November 7, 2024.