In Ukraine, active discussions are underway regarding the possibility of abolishing the tax exemption on international packages valued at up to 150 euros. According to a study by Info Sapiens conducted in April 2026 among 1500 respondents from government-controlled regions, 52% of Ukrainians advocate for the unification of tax rules for domestic and foreign businesses.
This is reported by Finway
How Often and What Exactly Do Ukrainians Order from Abroad
79% of surveyed residents of Ukraine have experience shopping in foreign online stores. Among them, 31% place orders regularly – at least once a month, while another 48% shop less frequently, meaning once every few months or sporadically.
The most sought-after imported goods remain clothing, footwear, and household items – chosen by 51% of respondents. Military goods, auto parts, and small accessories are significantly less popular, ordered by less than 5% of those surveyed.
The Importance of the Issue and the Fairness of Current Rules
Only 3% of survey participants identified the conditions for ordering from abroad as among the most pressing economic issues. Currently, the most concerning issues for people are income levels (59%), food prices (51%), and utility costs (44%). Thus, the taxation of packages remains more a subject of industry discussion rather than a widespread social demand.
“More than half of the respondents — 55% — believe that the VAT exemption for packages up to 150 euros puts foreign sellers at an advantage compared to Ukrainian ones.”
52% of study participants support the idea of equal tax conditions for domestic and foreign sellers. Similarly, 54% agree that if Ukrainian businesses pay VAT, then imported goods should be taxed under the same conditions. This position is not shared by 32% of respondents.
Expectations from Possible Changes and the Role of Packages in Business
Among supporters of change, key expectations include an increase in budget revenues (59%), support for legal domestic businesses (58%), and ensuring fair competition between Ukrainian and foreign sellers (56%). Additionally, 52% of respondents hope for a reduction in the volume of gray imports, while 51% expect adaptation to European standards. However, 57% of those surveyed anticipate that international purchases will become more expensive after the changes.
At the same time, 69% of Ukrainians believe that tax-free packages are often used for small trade or resale, rather than just for personal needs. Only 15% disagree with this opinion.
In the event of rule changes, most consumers expect primarily transparent and clear conditions for processing (37%), automatic payment calculations without the need for additional procedures (28%), and the absence of hidden costs (27%).