Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps the Government is taking to provide technical expertise to UK charities seeking to send shipments of humanitarian aid to EU countries to ensure they are not affected by customs restrictions imposed following the UK's departure from the EU.

HMRC understands that people in the UK want to help those affected by the invasion of Ukraine. The Government advises that the best way to help the Ukrainian people is to donate money through the Disasters Emergency Committee or other trusted charities. The Disasters Emergency Committee appeal can be found here: https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal.

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 and in kind assistance, such as food, blankets, and clothing.

Charities will need to follow UK export guidance and comply with any import rules and pay any taxes or duty owed in the EU or other country that the goods are being sent to, including Ukraine.

However, we appreciate that people and businesses may still wish to donate aid directly to the region and we are exploring further ways to support this. UK charities requiring advice about transporting humanitarian aid to Ukrainian refugees can contact the free-to-use Export Support Service (ESS). The ESS helpline number is 0300 303 8955 and is currently operational 7 days a week, from 08:00-2200hours. Support can also be accessed online: https://www.gov.uk/ask-export-support-team.