Customs Clearance of Goods from China in Ukraine in 2026: Cost, Documents and How Cargo Moves Now
Updated October, 2026.
What Customs Clearance of Goods from China Consists Of
- Import duty: a percentage of the customs value; the rate depends on the commodity code in UKT ZED and ranges from 0% to 20%.
- VAT: 20% of the sum “customs value + duty + excise tax”.
- Excise tax: only for excisable goods.
The customs value is the price of the goods on the invoice plus the cost of delivery to the customs border of Ukraine and insurance. The calculation is made in hryvnias.
Calculation Example
A conditional shipment with a customs value of $10,000.
- Duty 0%: VAT = 10,000 × 20% = $2,000. Total $2,000 (20%).
- Duty 10%: duty $1,000, VAT = (10,000 + 1,000) × 20% = $2,200. Total $3,200 (32%).
Actual figures depend on your UKT ZED code, the exchange rate and the delivery terms. We calculate the payments before work begins.
The UKT ZED Code: Why It Matters
The code determines the duty rate, whether certification is needed, permit documents and restrictions. A mistake in the code leads to extra payments, fines and delays. The description of the goods on the invoice must match the code exactly.
Which Documents Are Needed
- a foreign trade contract and an invoice;
- a packing list;
- transport documents (bill of lading, CMR, air waybill);
- payment documents confirming payment for the goods;
- a certificate of origin (if required);
- certificates or declarations of conformity and permit documents for goods that require them.
The exact list depends on the goods. We name it after reviewing your documents.
How Clearance Works
- You send the contract, the invoice and a description of the goods.
- The broker determines the UKT ZED code and calculates the payments.
- We agree on the cost and sign the contract.
- We prepare the documents and file the customs declaration.
- You pay the payments, and the broker accompanies control and release of the cargo.
- The cargo is handed over to you or sent to your city.
How Cargo from China Moves Now
Container service to the ports of Odesa has been suspended, so cargo moves by multimodal routes: by sea to a European port (for example Gdańsk, Klaipėda, Bremerhaven), then by road or rail to Ukraine. As a rule, this scheme costs more than direct routes, so it is better to calculate logistics costs before ordering the goods. We arrange container bookings with shipping lines and port forwarding.
“White” and “Gray” Customs Clearance
“Gray” cargo means importing with an understated value or incomplete documents. An understated value leads to fines and cargo delays, and problems with documents can stop the shipment. Official clearance gives you documents for accounting, VAT credit (for VAT payers) and protection during inspections.
Parcels Under €150 and Commercial Batches
For international parcels in Ukraine, a tax-free limit of €150 applies; a bill to abolish this relief and introduce VAT is under consideration. For commercial batches and containers, this limit does not apply: the goods are cleared under the general rules with duty and VAT.
What We Do
We determine the UKT ZED code, calculate payments before work begins, prepare documents, file the declaration and accompany the cargo through control. We arrange container bookings and port forwarding. We work under a contract, and a personal manager is assigned to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does customs clearance of goods from China cost? It consists of import duty (0–20% by UKT ZED code), 20% VAT and, for excisable goods, excise tax. Broker services are paid separately.
How do I calculate duty and VAT? Duty = customs value × rate. VAT = (customs value + duty + excise tax) × 20%.
Which documents are needed? A contract, an invoice, a packing list, transport and payment documents, and, if needed, a certificate of origin and permit documents.
How do I determine the UKT ZED code? By the description, purpose and composition of the goods; the broker determines it. The rate and the requirements depend on the code.
How long does cargo from China take to reach Ukraine now? It depends on the route and the line.
Can goods be imported without clearance or as “gray” cargo? This is associated with fines and cargo delays, so we work only under the official scheme.
Is VAT always payable? For most commercial imports, yes. Exceptions are determined by law and the commodity code, and the broker will check.
How do I check a broker? Find the company in the register of authorized customs brokers by its name and EDRPOU code.
How to Order
Submit a request on our website or call us: a manager will clarify the goods and the route, calculate the payments and agree on the terms.