Sending humanitarian aid to help Ukraine

9 Jun 2022

Did you know that there is a simplified customs process for taking humanitarian goods outside of Great Britain to help Ukraine? HMRC introduced a temporary customs easement on 10 March to make it easier to move aid and donations to the people of Ukraine, which will be in place until 19 June 2023.

This means if you’re moving eligible goods designated as humanitarian aid through GB ports, you can do so without the need to complete electronic customs declarations.

Instead, you (or the driver moving the goods) will only need to make an oral or by conduct declaration and will not be required to supply any customs documentation. Some larger vehicles (such as Heavy Goods Vehicles) will still be required to use the Goods Vehicle Movement Service to move goods between Great Britain and the EU, although this will be waived for most smaller vehicles (those under 3.5 tonnes).

It is important to note that all controlled goods and dual use goods are excluded from this easement.

UK Government advice remains that organisations and people who would like to help should donate cash through trusted charities and aid organisations, rather than donating goods. Cash can be transferred quickly to areas where it is needed, and individuals and aid organisations can use it to buy what is most needed.

You can find more information about the easement, including what goods are eligible, on GOV.UK: Taking humanitarian aid out of Great Britain to support Ukraine