The European Commission has adopted a decision enabling its member states to temporarily waive customs duties and VAT on the importation from third countries of food, blankets, tents, electric generators, and other life-saving equipment destined for Ukrainians affected by the war.
The CFTS portal reported this, citing the Interfax Ukraine news agency.
"The war against Ukraine has caused untold suffering but also showed the depths of EU solidarity. This measure will help Member States to come to the aid of Ukrainians both in the EU and still in their home country by facilitating the delivery of life-saving humanitarian goods," European Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni said.
This measure will apply retroactively from 24 February 2022 and will be in place until 31 December 2022.
The duty and VAT waiver apply to goods imported by state organizations (public bodies and bodies governed by public law, including hospitals, governmental organizations, regional governments, communes/towns, etc.); charitable or philanthropic organizations approved by the competent authorities of the member states.