Transporting goods of Humanitarian Aid for the Ukrainian conflict: How can we help?

24th March 2022

People and organisations in the South Yorkshire region have been doing a tremendous job gathering donations for those affected by the war in Ukraine.

Sheffield International Trade Centre is taking many calls of requests for help and advice to get donated goods to the areas most affected by the flow of refugees fleeing the war-torn country. We want to do our bit to support them. 

We know and understand that some aid organisations and individuals may not have much experience of importing and exporting, it is a complicated process to navigate! To help, Sheffield International Trade Centre, together with ChamberCustoms will be offering FREE Export Declarations and advice for goods leaving the UK for humanitarian purposes.

When transporting goods outside of the UK, an Export Declaration must be submitted to UK customs where various formalities and checks will be undertaken. Upon arrival in the EU, further checks must be done, and the goods must be fully cleared by declaring the import, paying VAT and duties as required. If the goods are travelling to the country of destination without clearing at the first EU customs border post, a specific transit guarantee is required. If the goods are being delivered to the Ukraine, which is not in the EU, a transit guarantee is essential.

How we can help…

• We can help with the Export Declaration for the goods leaving the UK and the Transit guarantee, but a local customs broker or an importer of record will need to clear the goods in the country of destination.
• We can help you to avoid paying taxes and duties when entering the country of destination.

We know that many donations are leaving the UK in private vehicles and if vehicles carrying humanitarian goods do not follow the correct export and import customs procedure, they may be delayed and taxes could be charged.

Get in touch…

via international@scci.org.uk or by calling 0114 213 2991.

Please note…

There are other ways you can help. HMRC recommend giving through the disasters and emergencies committee campaign and other trusted charities. More information is available, here: https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal

Nick Patrick, Head of Sheffield International Trade Centre.