On March 25, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a law that allows the customs authorities to confiscate international parcels, if their content does not meet the declared data. The new rules will affect all international shipments. If the declaration does not specify the price, name or quantity of goods, the customs will receive the right to withdraw such parcels. The goods that are in the parcel but not specified in the documents are also subject to seizure.
Violators can receive a fine of 30% to 50% of the value of the goods. The Government argues such measures to combat "shadow" import schemes when entrepreneurs use counterfeit declarations to avoid taxes.
In January, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Finance, Tax and Customs Policy, Danilo Getmantsev, submitted draft laws concerning the taxation of parcel imports. According to these initiatives, foreign market products will be subject to VAT regardless of their value. According to him, these projects were developed in conjunction with representatives of business associations.
This is not the first strengthening of control over international departures. Earlier in Ukraine, a non -taxable limit was reduced to parcels, which caused a wave of criticism from consumers. Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko explained such actions by the fact that the "shadow" business used the old rules to evade taxes.
New legislation can significantly change the situation with international purchases in Ukraine. Increased control over the parcels will cover the channels of illegal imports, but at the same time can complicate the lives of ordinary consumers. The introduction of stiffer rules can lead to delays in the delivery of parcels and additional financial costs for the recipients.
Despite the government's intentions to strengthen the control, the question remains open whether ordinary citizens who order goods for personal use will not suffer from this law. Experts are already predicting an increase in cases of confiscation and penalties, as well as regular discussions on the balance between the fight against smuggling and consumer rights.
