How much alcohol can be transported across the border: restrictions on entering and leaving Ukraine

Border crossing with alcoholic beverages is regulated by the Customs Code of Ukraine and other legal acts. Find out how much alcohol can be transported across the border, what rules apply in neighbouring countries, and what liability is provided for violation of the current legislation

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The State Customs Service of Ukraine reports that in 2024, 336 attempts were made to smuggle tobacco and alcohol products across the border. Some of the violations were committed due to ignorance of the current legislation and violation of the possible volumes of transportation. In this material, we have collected the most necessary information to help you avoid troubles at the border when transporting alcoholic beverages.

For those travelling from Ukraine

Attention : It is strictly forbidden for persons under the age of 18 to export alcohol from the territory of Ukraine.

There are no limits on the export of alcohol from Ukraine in the current legislation, but you need to take into account the legislation of the country you are entering.

Poland

- beer - up to 16 litres

- sparkling wine - up to 2 litres;

- fortified wine (sherry, port) - up to 2 litres;

- alcohol with an alcohol content of more than 22% - up to 1 litre;

- ethyl alcohol (80% and more) - up to 1 litre;

- other alcohol with an alcohol content of less than 22% - up to 2 litres.

Slovakia

- alcohol with an alcohol content of more than 22% - 1 litre;

- alcohol with an alcohol content of less than 22% - 2 litres;

- wine - 4 litres;

- sparkling wine - 2 litres;

- beer - 16 litres

Hungary

- spirits (including vodka) - 10 litres;

- wine with an alcohol content above 22% - 20 litres;

- wine - 90 litres;

- sparkling wine - 60 litres;

- beer - 110 litres.

Romania

- alcohol with an alcohol content of more than 22% - 1 litre;

- wine - 2 litres;

- beer - 16 litres.

Moldova

- beer - 5 litres

- wine and other alcohol - 2 litres.

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For those entering Ukraine

What laws regulate border crossing with alcoholic beverages?

The most important legal act regulating border crossing with alcohol and tobacco products is the Customs Code of Ukraine (Article 376).

The Law of Ukraine ‘On Amendments to the Criminal Code of Ukraine and the Code of Criminal Procedure of Ukraine regarding the Criminalisation of Smuggling of Goods’ provides for liability for violation of the applicable legislation (in particular, Article 201 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine was amended with respect to liability).

What volumes of alcohol can be imported into the territory of Ukraine?

- 5 litres of beer;

- 2 litres of wine;

- 1 litre of drinks containing more than 22% alcohol.

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Basic rules for crossing the border with alcohol

1. Alcoholic beverages cannot be transported across the border by a person under the age of 18.

2. If a person has been outside of Ukraine for more than 24 hours, he or she does not pay the duty on alcohol and does not declare it.

3. If a person has been outside Ukraine for less than 24 hours, alcoholic beverages are subject to customs clearance regardless of their volume.

Liability for violation of the rules for crossing the border with alcohol

If the value of the transported alcohol exceeds UAH 12,750, you may be subject to the following sanctions:

Actions committed by one person:

- a fine in the amount of UAH 340,000 to UAH 680,000;

- imprisonment for a term of 3 to 6 years.

Actions committed by a group of persons, by one person repeatedly or by an official using his/her official position:

- a fine in the amount of UAH 1,275,000 to UAH 2,040,000;

- imprisonment for a term of 6 to 11 years;

- disqualification to hold certain positions for up to 3 years;

- confiscation of property.

Please note! A vehicle engaged in an international flight is allowed to carry alcohol for consumption by its passengers within the limits provided for by customs legislation.

Just a reminder. Earlier, we told you what items are prohibited for transportation across the Ukrainian border.

Photo: Freepik

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