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

On 1 July 2022 the European Commission adopted a resolution enabling Member States to temporarily waive customs duties and VAT on the importation from third countries of food, blankets, tents, electric generators and other life-saving equipment destined for Ukrainians affected by the war.

This measure, which was requested by Member States, will apply retroactively from 24 February 2022 and be in place until 31 December 2022.

In the wake of Russia's unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine, 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. This is putting a lot of pressure on Member States, which need to provide humanitarian assistance to large numbers of persons fleeing the war, while also supporting internally displaced Ukrainians at risk of hunger and disease.

Reference and more information:

EU Commission, press release of 1 July 2022.