Sending a package to Ukraine: customs, delivery time and current deliverability
What companies need to consider when shipping goods from Germany to Ukraine in 2026
Ukraine is one of Germany's most important trading partners in Eastern Europe. At the same time, shipping is more challenging than with many other European third countries due to the current security situation.
- Shipping from Germany to Ukraine
- Parcel, express and freight solutions
- Check current deliverability by postcode
- International shipment tracking
- Use EU customs preferences
- Check EUR.1 and declaration of origin
- 20% import VAT must be taken into account.
- Solutions for regular B2B shipments
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In Ukraine, the postal code is part of the shipping planning.
For many countries, it is sufficient to compare carriers, prices, and transit times.
Regarding Ukraine, there is a fourth point:
Is the target region currently accessible?
Operational deliverability may change due to the security situation. Therefore, the postal code should be checked immediately before booking.
Check delivery area before each shipment
DHL refers to a weekly updated list of postal codes served by Ukrposhta. Packages are currently not being forwarded to areas not included in this list.
Preferential origin can save on customs duties
The EU-Ukraine DCFTA allows for tariff reductions for originating products. However, this is conditional on the goods meeting the applicable rules of origin and being correctly documented.
Prepare customs documents with particular care
DHL currently recommends including two copies of the CN23 customs declaration with packages to support customs processes.
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Important information about customs and import duties
DAP or DDP to Ukraine: Who handles customs and taxes?
For business deliveries to Ukraine, it should be determined who will organize the import clearance before collection.
For DAP The seller will arrange transport to the agreed destination.
The recipient generally bears the following costs:
- Import clearance
- Import duty
- Import VAT
- additional local fees
For DDP In contrast, the seller assumes the agreed import costs and further obligations.
Before shipping via DDP, the following should be clarified:
- who can act as an importer
- whether the carrier supports DDP for Ukraine
- Which customs duty rate applies?
- whether an EU customs preference can be used
- whether the target postal code is currently being served
You can find more information about the delivery terms in our guide to DAP and DDP for international shipping.
What are the customs duties when importing goods into Ukraine?
There is no fixed customs duty rate.
The regular import duty depends in particular on:
- Customs tariff number
- Type of goods
- cart value
- Country of origin
- possible EU preference
A Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) has existed between the European Union and Ukraine since 2016.
The agreement was revised in 2025. The updated version came into effect on 29 October 2025 It comes into force. It expands reciprocal market opening and adjusts other trading rules.
For many products originating in the European Union, this can result in reduced customs duties or even exemption from customs duties.
Important:
Shipping from Germany does not automatically mean EU preferential origin.
A product that, for example, is entirely manufactured in a third country and only stored in Germany does not thereby receive EU preferential origin status.
We explain the correct product classification below. HS code and customs tariff number.
What is the VAT rate in Ukraine?
The regular Ukrainian VAT rate is 20 percentIn addition, reduced rates of 7 and 14 percent exist for certain legally defined goods and sales.
For normal commercial imported goods, the standard rate should generally be applied, unless a specific exception applies.
During martial law, temporary import facilitations exist for certain goods. These include, for example, certain energy, defense, and specialty products.
However, these exceptions are product-specific and should be checked using the specific customs tariff number.
VAT: regular 20%
EUR.1 or declaration of origin: Which proofs of preferential origin are valid?
For preferential trade between the EU and Ukraine, the rules of the Pan-Euro-Med origin system will apply from 2026.
The following can be used as proof of origin:
- EUR.1 movement certificate
- Declaration of origin
German customs explicitly confirms both forms of proof for Ukraine.
Whether a declaration of origin can be used without further authorization depends, among other things, on the value of the originating products and the status of the exporter.
Therefore, the following should be checked before shipping:
- Does the product actually have EU preferential origin?
- Which rule of origin applies to the customs tariff number?
- What type of proof is acceptable for this specific shipment?
Especially with higher-value B2B deliveries, a correctly used proof of preferential origin can make a significant difference in import costs.
Shipping to Ukraine in 2026: Check accessibility and customs together
Ukraine is not a typical third country destination.
Economically, it is closely intertwined with the European Union. In 2025, approximately 65 percent of Ukrainian goods trade goes to the EUTotal trade in goods between the two sides reached approximately 68,2 billion euros.
At the same time, the ongoing fighting is having a direct impact on transport and delivery.
For companies, this means:
A shipment should be checked both in terms of customs regulations and operational procedures.
What documents do I need for a shipment to Ukraine?
For a standard commercial delivery of goods, the following are particularly required:
- Commercial invoice
- detailed product description
- Customs tariff number
- cart value
- Country of origin
- Transport document
- Proof of preference, if applicable
- Import permit or certificate (if applicable)
DHL requires a customs declaration for parcel shipments.
DHL currently recommends two copies of the CN23 for packages.
A commercial invoice is used for a normal sale of goods.
For free samples, replacement deliveries, or other non-commercial transactions, a pro forma invoice may be useful.
You can find out more at Commercial invoice or pro forma invoice.
How long does it take for a package to arrive in Ukraine?
DHL Parcel currently specifies a delivery time estimate of 8 to 11 working days.
DHL Express Worldwide's current transit time table for Ukraine generally shows approximately... one working day for the main route plus one additional working day for shipments subject to customs duties. .
However, these values are only guidelines.
The actual runtime depends particularly on:
- Destination postal code
- current security situation
- Customs clearance
- Type of goods
- regional onward transport
For delivery of goods, one should therefore expect at least two working days in the case of express delivery.
Which areas are currently being supplied?
This cannot be meaningfully answered with a permanently valid list on a static website.
DHL instead refers to a Weekly updated list of postcodes served by Ukrposhta.
For all other postal code areas, there is currently a routing freeze.
Therefore, the specific recipient postcode should be checked immediately before each booking.
Special features: Insurance and liability
There is currently an important restriction with DHL Parcel.
Due to the current security situation, Deutsche Post and DHL are currently not offering transport insurance for shipments to Ukraine and exclude liability for these shipments in accordance with the published Ukraine notice.
For high-value goods, it is therefore advisable to carefully check the liability and insurance options offered by the chosen carrier before booking.
Fill out the customs declaration correctly
DHL currently accepts the following for online registration:
- English
- French
- Russisch
- Ukrainian or national language
English and French are mentioned as the languages spoken at the branch.
For international business communications, English is usually the most practical option.
The product description should be specific.
Instead of:
"Spare Parts"
better:
“Stainless steel pump housing for industrial water pump”
This makes the product, material, and intended use much easier to identify.
Write an address in Ukraine correctly
DHL requires Latin letters and Arabic numerals.
An address can be structured like this, for example:
Sample LLC
Vul. Shevchenka 25
Office 12
79000 LVIV
UKRAINE
The area, district and postal code should be specified as completely as possible.
The recipient's phone number and email address will also help with delivery and customs contact.
Compare shipping costs to Ukraine
The shipping price depends on the specific shipment.
The decisive factors are:
- Weight
- Dimensions
- Volumetric weight
- Destination postal code
- Type of goods
- Shipping service
- Carrier
Via the <strong>integrated datalog</strong> the measuring values can be stored on the humimeter RH5 paper moisture meter and additional data can be added. You also have the possibility to use the Autolog function. This function automatically saves measuring values in adjustable time intervals. Shipping cost calculator from Paket International Companies can compare available options.
These errors are particularly critical when shipping to Ukraine.
In Ukraine, missing information can cause more than just customs delays.
An unserved destination region can also lead to the shipment not being forwarded at all.
Typical problems include:
- Postcode not checked before shipping
- general product description
- incorrect HS code
- Commercial invoice incomplete
- EU preferential origin assumed without proof
- EUR.1 or declaration of origin forgotten
- Import restrictions not checked
- missing recipient's phone number
Certain goods are subject to additional prohibitions or licensing requirements.
The Ukrainian customs administration maintains up-to-date lists of goods with import restrictions and prohibitions.
International mail shipments are also subject to special restrictions on weapons, explosive or dangerous substances, alcohol, tobacco, certain foodstuffs and other controlled goods.
What goods are delivered from Germany to Ukraine?
Germany is one of Ukraine's major European supplier countries.
In 2025, German companies exported goods worth approximately 9,3 billion euros to Ukraine. That was about 12 percent more than in the previous year.
The following product groups are particularly relevant for German companies:
- Machinery and equipment
- Machine spare parts
- Electrical Engineering
- Tools
- Vehicles and vehicle parts
- Medical Technology
- Measurement and testing technology
- Energy and supply technology
- industrielle Bedarf
Spare parts, technical components, and equipment for energy and infrastructure can be particularly time-critical. In such cases, it should be examined whether a Express Shipping is available for the specific target region.
You can find more international destinations in our Country overview.
Shipping information: Ukraine
Standard or express shipping to Ukraine?
For less time-critical goods, an international parcel service can be used.
DHL Parcel currently specifies a delivery time estimate of 8 to 11 working days.
For urgently needed spare parts, production materials, or technical components, a Express shipping to Ukraine be useful.
DHL Express currently estimates approximately one working day for the main route, plus an additional day for goods subject to customs duties.
However, due to the security situation, the specific target region should always be checked.
For larger goods or multiple packages, Pallet shipping and individual freight solutions may be of interest.
You can find an overview at international shipping methods.
How do goods get from Germany to Ukraine?
Since the restrictions on civil air traffic within Ukraine, land transport has played a particularly important role.
International goods reach Ukraine primarily via neighboring European countries and are then transported further by road or rail.
Important connections exist via, among other things:
- Poland
- Slovakia
- Hungary
- Romania
- Moldavia
This makes road and combined transport particularly suitable for B2B deliveries.
For pallets, machinery, or large shipments, a individual freight solution be useful.
For all modes of transport, the current accessibility of the final destination remains crucial.
What import costs might arise in Ukraine?
In the case of a normal commercial import, the following can occur in particular:
- product-specific import duty
- Regular 20% import VAT
- Excise tax (if applicable)
- Carrier and handling fees
For goods originating in the EU, reduced customs duties or duty exemption may apply due to the DCFTA.
The standard VAT rate is 20 percent.
Temporary tax exemptions currently exist for certain products, particularly in sectors such as energy and defense. However, these should always be verified using the specific customs tariff number.
General information can be found in our guide to Customs and import duties.
How much does a package to Ukraine cost?
A flat price is not very informative.
A small express shipment to Lviv requires a different calculation than several heavy boxes or a business delivery to a more distant region.
The following are relevant:
- Weight
- Volumetric weight
- Dimensions
- Destination postal code
- Shipping service
- Type of goods
- Carrier
Before calculating the price, it should be checked whether the specific target postal code is currently being served.
Current shipping offers can be found via the Shipping cost calculator be compared.
Online trade to Ukraine: Correctly interpreting the 150-euro rule
There is currently an important value limit for private recipients.
International postal and express shipments to private individuals with a total merchandise value of no more than EUR 150 are generally not subject to import duties.
For goods valued at more than 150 euros and up to 10.000 euros, the following generally applies:
- 10% import duty
- 20% VAT
levied on the value portion above 150 euros.
Important:
This simplified rule applies to shipments to citizens or private individuals and should not be applied across the board to normal commercial B2B imports.
Online retailers should also take note of the following:
- Check destination postcode before booking
- Present import costs transparently
- State the correct merchandise value
- Check product restrictions
- Communicate realistic delivery times
You can find more information about the delivery terms at DAP and DDP.
Why Ukraine is not a static shipping destination in 2026
Shipping conditions change in many countries, perhaps once a year.
The operational situation in Ukraine can change much more rapidly.
DHL therefore keeps the postcodes served by Ukrposhta up to date Weekly To update.
This means for companies:
- Check the destination postcode immediately before shipping.
- Recheck carrier availability
- Do not blindly accept old runtime information.
- Check insurance terms and conditions
- Keep customs and preference rules up to date
Economic relations with the EU are developing in parallel.
The modernized DCFTA has been in place since 29 October 2025 in force. It creates a longer-term framework for trade in goods and a closer alignment with EU standards.
For regular German exporters, it is therefore particularly worthwhile to neatly store HS codes, origin of goods and preferential certificates in the ERP or shop system.
Which carrier is suitable for Ukraine?
Choosing the right carrier depends on more than just price and transit time.
The following should also be examined regarding Ukraine:
- currently served postal code
- Liability conditions
- Insurance options
- Customs service
- Weight limits
- maximum dimensions
- Tracking
- regional delivery partner
DHL Parcel currently states a standard delivery time of 8 to 11 working days. According to DHL, delivery is handled by Meest Express.
At the same time, due to the security situation, DHL Paket has special restrictions regarding liability and transport insurance.
Therefore, when dealing with urgent or high-value business goods, one should not only consider the cheapest tariff.
Paket International allows companies to compare available services for their specific shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping
Can I currently send a package from Germany to Ukraine?
Yes. Shipping is still possible to numerous regions. However, before booking, please check whether the specific recipient's postal code is currently being served. DHL updates this list weekly.
How long does it take for a package to arrive in Ukraine?
DHL Parcel currently estimates delivery times of 8 to 11 business days. Express shipments can be significantly faster. However, the actual delivery time depends heavily on the destination and the current security situation.
What is the VAT rate in Ukraine?
The standard Ukrainian VAT rate is 20 percent. Reduced tax rates or temporary exemptions exist for certain goods.
Is there a free trade agreement between Ukraine and the EU?
Yes. The EU and Ukraine have a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). The revised version of the DCFTA has been in force since October 29, 2025.
Do I need a EUR.1 certificate for Ukraine?
The EUR.1 certificate remains a possible proof of preferential origin. Depending on the shipment value, origin status, and exporter, an alternative origin declaration can be used.
Are goods under €150 duty-free?
For international mail and express shipments to private individuals, a duty-free allowance of €150 currently applies. Above this amount, simplified import rules apply up to €10.000. This rule should not be applied across the board to regular B2B imports.
How are private packages over 150 euros taxed?
For shipments to private individuals with a value of goods between 150 euros and 10.000 euros, a 10 percent import duty and 20 percent VAT are currently levied on the value portion above 150 euros.
Do I need a commercial invoice for Ukraine?
For commercial goods deliveries, a full commercial invoice including a description of the goods, their value, origin, and customs tariff number is required. A pro forma invoice can be used for certain non-commercial transactions.
Can I ship DDP to Ukraine?
This depends on the carrier, the goods, and the import situation. Before booking, you should specifically check the importer, any potential preferential treatment, import duties, and current deliverability.
We will calculate all possible solutions and costs for you.
Can I deliver to every region in Ukraine?
No. Due to the current security situation, not all postal codes are accessible. DHL refers to a weekly updated list of areas served by Ukrposhta.
Can I insure my package to Ukraine?
It depends on the carrier. DHL Parcel currently points out that, due to the security situation, no transport insurance is offered and special liability limitations apply. Therefore, for high-value goods, the terms and conditions of the specific shipping service should be checked before booking.
Which language should I use for the customs declaration?
DHL currently accepts English, French, Russian, and the local language online. English and French are accepted at branches. For B2B shipments, English is usually the most practical choice.
