Draft laws No. 15194 and No. 15195 have been registered in the Verkhovna Rada, allowing the military to import cars without paying customs duties, excise and VAT. The privilege applies to those mobilised after 24 February 2022 and current contractors. At the same time, there are a number of restrictions aimed at preventing abuse.
Military will be allowed to import cars without taxes
Two draft laws have been registered in the Verkhovna Rada that could significantly change the rules for importing cars for military personnel. According to the initiative, those mobilised after 24 February 2022 and contract soldiers serving at the time of importation will be entitled to tax-free importation of vehicles. As reported by Judicial and legal newspaper, The draft laws No. 15194 and No. 15195 have already been submitted to the Parliament.
It is envisaged that the military will be able to import cars without paying customs duties, excise tax and VAT. This will reduce the financial burden on those who defend the country and simplify the process of updating the vehicle fleet for personal or business needs.
Main restrictions for tax-free importation
Along with tax benefits, the draft laws contain a number of important restrictions. Firstly, each serviceman is allowed to import only one vehicle. This rule was introduced to avoid possible abuse and commercial exploitation of the privilege.
Another essential condition is the prohibition on transferring ownership or disposing of the car within three years of importation. Thus, the car cannot be sold or donated before this period expires. Duties on luxury cars remain in place, which means that the benefits will only apply to ordinary vehicles.
Additional prohibitions and exclusions
The draft laws also provide for territorial restrictions. It is prohibited to import cars from the temporarily occupied territories and from the territory of the aggressor state. This decision is aimed at minimising the risks associated with the legalisation of dubious vehicles, as well as ensuring market security and transparency.
This approach allows us to maintain a balance between supporting the military and controlling vehicle imports to avoid violations and ensure fair use of benefits.
Why it matters
The introduction of tax-free imports of cars for the military is not only a manifestation of support for our defenders, but also an important step in the state's social policy. The conditions set out in the draft laws are aimed at ensuring that the benefits go to those who really serve the country and that these benefits are not used for profit.
The implementation of these draft laws will increase the motivation of military personnel and make it easier for them to solve personal transport issues in difficult wartime. At the same time, the restrictions ensure that the innovation will not lead to abuse of the imported car market.
Importantly, the initiative takes into account both the interests of the military and the need to control the market, making it balanced and relevant to modern Ukraine.
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