New taxes on all packages from abroad. Why do they always choose the worst option among all possible alternatives?
I would like to say a few words in defense of Ukrainians and their right to send packages to one another without additional costs and to receive necessary support during wartime!
The main saboteur of Ukraine's economy during the war, a representative of the people from the "Servant of the People" party, Daniil Getmantsev, has introduced a draft law on taxing packages with VAT.
"The draft law proposes to establish that:
- citizens can receive goods worth up to €45 without VAT, provided that such goods are sent to their address by individuals without any payment and for non-commercial purposes;
- goods purchased by citizens on marketplaces or other similar platforms will be subject to VAT regardless of their value;
- meanwhile, import duties on such goods will only be charged if their value exceeds €150.
To facilitate VAT administration and speed up the customs clearance of packages, it is proposed to:
- introduce the possibility of VAT payment directly by the supplier of goods or the marketplace or another similar platform that facilitated the delivery of such goods, analogous to the existing IOSS mechanism in EU countries;
- introduce a new customs declaration for low-value goods with a data set similar to the N7 customs declaration that exists in EU countries. Existing forms for declaring packages may continue to be used."
…
All this is good, and euro-integration is good, but there are several "buts":
1. The process of Euro-integration is not a mindless copying of EU norms, rules, and directives; it is a path of transformation
Let me remind you that…
The average salary:
- European Union (data for 2023) — about €2,250 per month (gross);
- Ukraine — about €370–500.
The average household income:
- EU — median income: €31,000 per year;
- Ukraine — €7,500–€9,000 per year.
The savings rate:
- average in the EU: 12–15% of disposable income;
- Ukraine before the conflict: 3–5% — today it’s zero or negative considering the significant losses of Ukrainian citizens.
How can we mindlessly copy EU norms for Ukraine?
Let’s move on.
2. Any action in the formation of state policy must have a detailed analysis
For instance, the Mayor's Office of London, when making decisions that affect the quality of life for London residents (which is almost all decisions), commissions three analytical centers to conduct an analysis. Then, in a public discussion, the right option is selected.
Show me (all Ukrainians) the economic justification that citizens will benefit from this change!
3. The War
It is no secret that a large part of the components for hundreds of drone and other technology manufacturers is received by mail.
In other words, our government, during the war and amid underfunding of the defense industry and lack of real support for private manufacturers, wants to kill this sector too?
Who benefits here, apart from the aggressor country?
4. I want to provide an example of package taxation in the most successful country in the world — our strategic partner
In the USA, there is such a system:
- packages valued up to $800 are not subject to duties and taxes;
- packages valued over $800 are subject to duties and taxes depending on the type of goods;
- there is no federal VAT in the USA, but some states may impose a sales tax.
Why do we choose the worst option from all possible ones, creating risks for our defense capability, worsening the quality of life for citizens, and being completely untimely?
The author expresses a personal opinion that may not coincide with the position of the editorial staff. The author is responsible for the published data in the "Opinions" section.