Co-founder of "Nova Poshta" Popereshniuk predicts rise in parcel prices and customs collapse due to abolition of benefit

Co-founder of "Nova Poshta" Volodymyr Popereshniuk criticized the Verkhovna Rada's decision to support in the first reading the introduction of VAT on international parcels worth up to 150 euros. He estimates that the new rules will lead to higher prices for foreign purchases, longer delivery times, and additional burden on customs.

"I sympathize with everyone, because almost everyone will suffer from the taxation of parcels", - wrote Popereshniuk after the parliamentary vote.

He believes that the cost of parcels and delivery times will increase, and Ukrainians will have to spend more on imported goods, some of which have no full alternative in the domestic market. According to him, this will also hit Ukrainian retail, as consumers will have less money for other purchases.

Separately, the co-founder of "Nova Poshta" warned about risks for logistics. In his opinion, the new system could increase the burden on customs "tens, or maybe hundreds of times", which could lead to delays not only for postal operators but also for other carriers. Popereshniuk also suggested that the complication of legal import could stimulate smuggling.

On September 16, the Verkhovna Rada supported in the first reading a package of bills necessary to change the taxation of international shipments. 273 deputies voted for tax bill №16051-1, and 267 for related customs bill №15460.

The tax bill provides for the abolition of the current VAT exemption for remote purchases from abroad worth up to 150 euros. For such goods, it is proposed to charge 20% VAT on the full purchase price - actually from the first euro. The tax must be charged at the time of purchase, and the marketplace must transfer it to the Ukrainian budget.

At the same time, the threshold of 150 euros for import duty is proposed to be maintained. Also, the exemption for non-commercial shipments worth up to 45 euros, which one individual sends free of charge to another, remains unchanged.

Currently, the new rules have not yet entered into force: both bills were adopted only as a basis and must undergo a second reading and final vote. In the proposed version, the main changes are to take effect no earlier than July 1, 2027 and after confirmation of readiness of the necessary state IT systems.

Based on materials: Volodymyr Popereshniuk, Verkhovna Rada