Want to grow your business on a global level? Shipping to Ukraine may be the answer!
Shipping to Ukraine from the U.S. and elsewhere around the world is a great way to tap into its thriving eCommerce market. Here’s a closer look at some market insights, import restrictions and other key information you need to know!
Strong eCommerce Growth in Ukraine
Ukraine, an Eastern European country of more than 42 million people, boasts a fast-growing eCommerce sector, reportedly the second-fastest growth in Europe as of 2018! This alone makes shipping to Ukraine an enticing and potentially lucrative opportunity for merchants looking for cross-border opportunities.
In addition, the country also has a GDP growth rate of two percent while Internet penetration stands at 44 percent and rising in the country. Mobile shopping, in particular, has taken off in Ukraine in recent years, making it very important to optimize for mobile eCommerce.
Local Online Marketplaces Especially Popular in Ukraine
Ukraine has its share of local and international online marketplaces, though most online shoppers prefer local marketplaces. 53 percent of total Internet users visit and buy from local online markets while 21 percent prefer international platforms, something to keep in mind when selling in the Ukrainian market.
International online marketplaces in Ukraine:
Local online marketplaces in Ukraine:
- Rozetka.com.ua
- Prom.ua
- Olx.ua
Fashion, Accessories Top Sellers in Ukraine
The top item categories in Ukraine are fashion items and accessories. Electronics and household goods are next, followed by sports goods and beauty products.
Debit, Credit Cards Remain Popular Payment Method in Ukraine
The top payment methods in Ukraine are debit and credit cards, though cash on delivery is also a surprisingly popular method of payment too. A noticeable percentage of buyers prefer to shop with PayPal also.
Shipping to Ukraine
When planning on shipping to Ukraine, be sure to use the Easyship shipping rates calculator to determine your shipping costs to Ukraine. In addition, it's important to understand things like import restrictions, courier options available and the country’s tax and duties regime. Here’s a closer look at all of that!
Restricted and Prohibited Items in Ukraine
You just can’t send anything to Ukraine - couriers have to follow rules set by government authorities. Items that are marked as hazardous or dangerous are prohibited while items that can be sent but with proper legal permission are labeled as restricted.
Restricted items in Ukraine:
- Artwork
- Precious metals
- Manuscripts
- Books published before 1966
- Furniture made before 1945
- Handmade carpets
Prohibited items in Ukraine:
- Weapons
- Radioactive and other harmful materials
- Explosives
- Materials containing war propaganda or racism
International, Local Couriers Available When Shipping to Ukraine
Many international couriers provide services for shipping to Ukraine.
USPS, FedEx, DHL and UPS shipping to Ukraine are all great options from major global couriers to consider.
In addition, many local couriers are also available. A few of these include:
- TNT Express
- TMM Express
- International Courier Services
Taxes and Customs Duties in Ukraine
Knowledge of taxes and customs duties is a must for accurate estimation of shipping costs to Ukraine. If you don’t know these, you won’t be able to guide your customers properly regarding the price that they have to pay for shipping to Ukraine.
The tax calculation method used in Ukraine is CIF, which is the calculation of cost, insurance and freight of the shipment.
The general VAT is 20 percent in Ukraine, with the threshold for taxes set at 22 EUR and the custom duty threshold being 150 EUR. However, some product categories face no import duties, including mobile devices, cameras, computers, home gardening products and toys. Fashion items, though, face a 12 percent import duty while luggage and home appliances face import duties of 13 and 10 percent, respectively.
Be sure to also use our tax and duty calculator to accurately calculate the shipping costs to Ukraine!
Ship to Ukraine Today!
Ukraine is a rapidly-growing eCommerce market that offers a prime opportunity for online merchants looking to expand internationally. If you’re considering shipping to Ukraine, be sure to sign up for Easyship today to take advantage of our great courier discounts and other logistics and eCommerce services!
