“Hot Line”, “Pulse”, “Memo” – all that to coordinate actions of customs officers and volunteers

Volunteerism in Ukraine is the enormous desire of Ukrainian to contribute to our victory, everyone is trying to help by all possible means and methods to provide soldiers with clothing, medicines, personal protection. Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad have rallied and formed a strong volunteer movement.

When humanitarian aid is imported from abroad, volunteers have to deal with the customs and its employees. As previously reported, in order to coordinate the actions of customs officers and volunteer organizations that move warm clothes, body armor or other goods for soldiers across the customs border, the memo was developed for volunteers on the most important issues of customs legislation, including its practical application.

During customs clearance of goods, including humanitarian aid, customs officials are governed by the laws of Ukraine. However, if as a volunteer encounter actions that are contrary to the letter and spirit of the law, you have an effective leverage. Firstly, it is the "Pulse" – an anti-corruption service that is available around the clock at (044) 284 00 07, secondly, the control center to provide advice and to promptly resolve pressing issues of volunteers, particularly at the Chop Customs Office: (0312) 64 96 00. Specialists of the custom office consult volunteers or donors that move humanitarian, charitable or technical assistance across the customs border of Ukraine, and facilitate prompt resolution of any issues that arise during customs clearance.

Volunteers should also pay attention to the fact that during the customs clearance special of PPE and drugs, in addition to other shipping documents, they should present customs authorities applications from military units, ministries and agencies, volunteer organizations duly registered with the relevant state bodies and so on.

In case of customs clearance of goods imported into the customs territory of Ukraine by an individual for person or persons participating in the ATO (eg, by a father for a son, etc.), the statement from the relevant military unit, that proves the participation of such person in the ATO, should be attached to the application.