Exporting to Ukraine: 8 steps

These eight steps highlight the broader steps to exporting to Ukraine. 

• Identify the correct Harmonized Sales (HS) code for the product and confirm any controls or restrictions applicable in Canada, the EU (transit), or Ukraine.
  • All goods are assigned a 6-digit code based on where they are classified in the World Customs Organization's Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System. This is known as the HS code.
• If you intend to claim Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA) preferential duty, prepare a valid origin statement/certificate in line with CUFTA origin requirements.

• Cargo airports in near proximity located in Poland, Slovakia, or Romania.
• Common European Union (EU) entry hubs for Canadian shipments include North Europe ports (e.g., Rotterdam, Hamburg, Gdansk) or Romania’s port of Constanța.
• Your choice determines which border crossing points (BCP) in Ukraine you will later use under the Common Transit Convention (CTC).

• Book the ocean leg from major Canadian ports (e.g., Montreal, Halifax, Vancouver, Prince Rupert) or the air freight from cargo airports
• Ensure shipping documents (bill of lading, invoice, packing list) are consistent with the goods and Incoterms.

• Canadian companies may use the CTC and the New Computerized Transit System (NCTS) for exports to Ukraine, provided the transit declaration is lodged in a CTC member state, usually at the first EU port of arrival 1
• Although Canada is not a contracting party to the CTC, the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine (In English only) confirms that foreign companies can submit common-transit declarations for movements to or through Ukraine, as long as their financial guarantee is recognized in Ukraine and fulfilled in accordance with CTC rules.
• Identify the correct HS code for the product and confirm any controls or restrictions applicable in Canada, the EU (transit), or Ukraine.
• If you intend to claim CUFTA preferential duty, prepare a valid origin statement/certificate in line with CUFTA origin requirements.

• To open a common-transit operation, a financial guarantee must cover all territories crossed (EU and Ukraine). The most efficient instrument is a comprehensive guarantee.
• If the guarantee is issued in the EU and must cover Ukraine, your guarantor must update its geographical validity, and you must inform your Customs Office of Guarantee for NCTS registration. 2

• After arrival at the EU port, your logistics operator or customs broker lodges a common-transit declaration electronically in NCTS.
• An MRN is issued and the Transit Accompanying Document (TAD) accompanies the cargo.
• The goods now legally move under CTC/NCTS to the Ukrainian border without requiring import procedures inside the EU.

• Choose one of the active border crossing points (In English only).
• Upon arrival at the Ukrainian border, the transit procedure is discharged in NCTS.
• Your customs broker submits the Ukrainian import declaration, including invoice, packing list, transport documents, specification, origin statement (for CUFTA benefits), customs valuation data, safety and security data (recommended).

• After clearance, the goods move by road or rail to the consignee.
• Road is the heaviest-used mode of import movement in Ukraine, meaning delivery times depend on national road capacity, security conditions and curfews.

• After clearance, the goods move by road or rail to the consignee.
• Road is the heaviest-used mode of import movement in Ukraine, meaning delivery times depend on national road capacity, security conditions and curfews.

1: In practice, this means that a Canadian exporter must rely on an EU-based customs broker or logistics operator to file the NCTS declaration and manage the guarantee. Ukrainian authorities also provide official support through the national NCTS Help Desk, offering assistance in English. 

2: Foreign guarantee holders wishing to start transit in Ukraine must be registered with Ukrainian Customs. List with contact details of national and regional coordinators for joint transit: Transit Network Address Book (In English only)