There are many messages in the media right now with people and businesses wanting to support Ukraine during the Humanitarian crisis, We would like to share some guidance that we have found useful from UK government on the best way to offer support to the people of Ukraine and refugees during this time.
How and where to send support:
Monetary donations are the priority so that relief agencies can direct where needed on the ground. This is in line with guidance from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and the Charity Commission.
This week, the Disasters Emergency Committee has launched an urgent appeal to help people fleeing conflict in Ukraine. This is the most direct way that UK citizens can support the crisis in Ukraine and enable the DEC to direct funds to the areas that need them most as the situation rapidly unfolds.
In addition to this, the campaign launched by the DEC this week has a promise from the UK Government that it will match donations up to £20 million.
Why this route:
Most goods crossing borders require customs declaration and can be subject to checks and taxes, and this is applied to goods donated to charities such as the appeals for food, blankets, and clothing (known as ‘in kind assistance’).
Although 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 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 on the commission website.
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.
