Humanitarian aid to Ukrainian refugees

In line with advice from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and the Charity Commission, we recommend that individuals and organisations wanting to help should give money through the Disasters and Emergencies Committee campaign (launched on 3 March) and other trusted charities and humanitarian aid organisations, rather than donating goods and seeking to send or drive them to the region.

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 and eligible UK taxpayers can Gift Aid donations.

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.

HMRC have put together a guide for charities, businesses and individuals on how to best support those fleeing the situation in Ukraine, and how to move humanitarian goods from Great Britain to the EU.