Tax on parcels up to 150 euros: The NBU has come up with an initiative
2 November 12:14
The National Bank of Ukraine has taken the initiative to introduce taxation for international parcels worth up to €150, which are currently not taxed.
This is stated in the NBU ‘s October 2025 Inflation Report, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
The NBU report notes that in the first nine months of 2025, the current account deficit of Ukraine’s balance of payments reached $24.9 billion.
The regulator emphasizes that the main reason for the deficit is not excessive consumer demand, but high defense and reconstruction costs. Under these conditions, the NBU emphasizes that fiscal consolidation (budget balancing) by cutting defense spending is unacceptable.
As an alternative, the NBU proposes to focus on targeted import restrictions, including taxation of parcels worth up to EUR 150.
“The introduction of taxation of non-critical wartime items will have limited negative consequences for the economy,” the NBU said.
According to the regulator, such a measure will reduce imports without reducing the country’s defense capabilities or having a significant negative impact on economic growth. These steps should help reduce the current account deficit and maintain macrofinancial stability.
Why this is important
The NBU’s proposal is a direct signal that the government is looking for ways to reduce the outflow of foreign currency from the country caused by consumer imports. Although the balance of payments deficit is caused mainly by defense needs, the NBU is trying to compensate for this imbalance by restricting other imports that it considers non-critical.
If the NBU’s initiative is implemented, it will mean that every parcel from foreign online retailers (such as AliExpress, Amazon, Shein, and others) for individuals will be taxed. This will lead to a direct increase in the cost of all foreign online purchases for Ukrainians, but at the same time, it may increase budget revenues and reduce the demand for foreign currency.
