- NBU Raises the Key Policy Rate to 15.5%
On 30 July 2026, the National Bank of Ukraine increased its key policy rate by 0.5 percentage points, from 15% to 15.5%. The NBU attributed the decision to persistent underlying price pressure and an expected acceleration of inflation during the second half of 2026.
The regulator expects consumer inflation to reach approximately 10% by the end of 2026, while core inflation is forecast at 9.2%. The NBU also noted that businesses continue to face higher labour, logistics and energy costs. It revised its 2026 real GDP growth forecast upward to 1.8%.
The rate increase may result in higher borrowing costs for businesses, particularly for loans priced directly or indirectly by reference to the NBU rate. It may also support higher returns on hryvnia deposits and government securities.
- Government Approves New VAT Rules for International E-Commerce Parcels
On 30 July 2026, the Government approved draft amendments to the Customs Code concerning the taxation of goods purchased through foreign marketplaces and delivered to Ukraine in international postal or express consignments.
Under the proposed model, imported goods acquired through marketplaces would become subject to VAT starting from EUR 0. Currently, parcels with a value of up to EUR 150 are generally exempt from VAT. The obligation to calculate and pay VAT would be imposed on the marketplace, electronic interface or its intermediary rather than directly on the Ukrainian purchaser. Postal operators and express carriers would submit customs information using special registers.
The draft also introduces registration and record-keeping requirements for marketplaces and their Ukrainian representatives. A one-year penalty-free transition period is proposed for certain unintentional errors, provided that the outstanding tax is fully paid. The new model is expected to apply no earlier than 1 January 2027, subject to adoption of the legislation and confirmation that the necessary IT systems are ready.
- Draft Law Proposes New Rules for Subsoil Auctions and Production Sharing Agreements
On 31 July 2026, Draft Law No. 15454 was registered in the Verkhovna Rada. The draft proposes amendments to the procedures for granting and exercising subsoil-use rights through electronic auctions and production sharing agreements.
Among other changes, the draft would permit an auction to proceed with only one participant, introduce certain legislative stability protections for strategic and critical mineral projects, and allow amendments to subsoil permits where a production sharing agreement is subsequently concluded. Auction documentation would also include expanded information on environmental restrictions and protected areas.
The draft further proposes more flexible production sharing arrangements, including agreements covering parts of a subsoil area or several separate areas, recognition of processed and associated minerals as project output, and allocation of liability between project participants instead of mandatory joint liability. It also addresses land servitudes and additional state-support mechanisms for projects involving significant investments.
- Government Re-Approves Draft of the New Customs Code
On 27 July 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers re-approved the draft of Ukraine’s new Customs Code. The earlier government draft, registered as No. 15295, was formally withdrawn following the formation of a new Cabinet. The re-approved text is stated to be identical in substance.
The proposed Code is structured around the EU Customs Code and related European regulations. It would introduce EU customs terminology and align Ukrainian rules on authorisations, customs procedures, declarations, customs debt, guarantees and exemptions from customs duties with EU standards.
The draft contains transitional provisions intended to maintain the continuity of business operations. Existing authorisations issued without a time limit would remain valid, while fixed-term authorisations would continue until their expiry or the completion of the relevant operations.
Importers, exporters, customs brokers, logistics providers and companies holding customs authorisations should monitor the parliamentary process and assess which internal procedures may require adaptation.
- Draft Rules Published for Chemical Product Safety Data Sheets
On 28 July 2026, the Ministry of Economy and Environment published a draft Cabinet resolution establishing rules for preparing chemical product safety data sheets and safe-use instructions.
The proposed rules would regulate the information provided to users regarding risk-control measures throughout the entire lifecycle of chemical products. The draft was developed under the Law of Ukraine “On Ensuring Chemical Safety and Management of Chemical Products” and is intended to align Ukrainian requirements with the EU’s REACH Regulation.
The document is currently at the public-consultation stage and has not yet been adopted. Comments and proposals may be submitted to the Ministry within one month from publication.
The future requirements may be particularly relevant to manufacturers, importers, distributors and industrial users of chemicals, which may need to revise product documentation, supply-chain information and compliance procedures.
