CILT Chief Executive Kevin Richardson has issued the following statement to members about the conflict in Ukraine. 
“Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine at this time.. It is devastating that 18 million people are projected to become affected by the conflict, and 4 million people expected to be displaced and we all have a part to play in helping provide food, water, shelter, healthcare and protection.
“We are supportive of the collective effort by governments, charities, businesses, and ultimately ordinary people who are making a stand and we have received requests from a number of members regarding ways in which they can help the situation. We have shared some guidance and useful links below on the best way to offer support to the people of Ukraine and refugees during this time.”
How to donate:
- The Disasters and Emergency Committee has launched their Ukraine fund and the UK Government has pledged to match public contributions from the public pound for pound, up to £20 million. More information can be found here: https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal and eligible UK taxpayers can Gift Aid donations:
- £30 could provide essential hygiene supplies for three people for one month
- £50 could provide blankets for four families
- £100 could provide emergency food for two families for one month
Advice for businesses:
- Most goods crossing borders require customs declarations and may be subject to checks. Duty and other border taxes may be payable on entry into other customs territories, such as the EU. This includes goods donated to charities, such as food, blankets and clothing (known as ‘in kind assistance’).
- If you send goods to Ukraine, or the surrounding countries, to support those affected by the invasion without following export and import processes, your donations could be delayed getting to people in need. HMRC strongly encourage organisations wishing to support efforts in Ukraine, and in the surrounding countries, to follow FCDO advice and make a financial donation through a trusted charity.
- UK businesses can contact the Export Support Service (ESS) which the Department for International Trade has expanded to act as a single point of enquiry for businesses and traders with questions relating to the situation in Ukraine and Russia. The ESS helpline number is 0300 303 8955 and is currently operational Monday to Friday 0800-1800, or support can be accessed online at https://www.gov.uk/ask-export-support-team.
Moving humanitarian goods from Great Britain to the EU.
- There is support available for moving goods and HMRC has useful step by step guides that help to understand the processes for exporting goods, along with general information on the export declaration process online at www.gov.uk/topic/business-tax/import-export.
- The management of EU import and export procedures is the responsibility of the customs authorities of the EU Member States that the humanitarian goods are entering into or leaving. We would advise businesses and individuals to confirm the processes with the relevant Member State and any conditions or procedures
- While customs processes will still need to be followed for moving goods, both the EU and UK provide for relief from customs duty on humanitarian goods. As these donations are moving from Great Britain to the EU, there are no UK duty or VAT liabilities at export but there may be upon entry to the EU, so the EU relief would be applicable.
More information on the EU relief is available at https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/business/calculation-customs-duties/what-is-common-customs-tariff/duty-relief_en