The war has fundamentally changed Ukrainian business, in particular the field of foreign economic activity (FEA). Logistics has become more complicated, the borders more congested, and customs procedures stricter. Despite this, imports and exports have not stopped, and demand for the services of customs brokers remains consistently high.
However, there are significant changes. The volume of cargo in the country has decreased, and the number of professional brokers has shrunk: some have gone abroad, some have joined the army, others have changed their field of work. As a result, there is a continuing shortage of specialists on the market, which in turn has affected prices. Over the past 2–3 years the cost of a customs broker's services has risen by an average of 20–30%.
The main customs centres: Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Kharkiv
Ukraine has several key regions where the largest number of customs clearances is concentrated. It is they that shape the market and set the trends in the cost of services.
Kyiv
The capital is the main logistics hub where most imported goods are cleared: from clothing and appliances to industrial equipment.
Features of the region:
• the largest number of customs posts;
• a high volume of cargo and urgent clearances;
• a wide choice of brokers with experience in various categories of goods.
Prices in Kyiv are traditionally 10–15% higher than in the regions, because of the workload and the need for fast work.
Lviv
Lviv customs has become key in wartime. It is through the Polish border that most cargo from the EU passes.
Features of the region:
• a large flow of road transport;
• delays because of queues at the border;
• the need for clear and fast paperwork.
The cost of services here is usually lower than in Kyiv, but in cases of urgent clearance or work with large consignments the price can rise.
Odesa
The port of Odesa is Ukraine's traditional "sea gate". Despite the wartime restrictions, it remains an important channel for critical import cargo.
Features of the region:
• maritime specifics (more complex documents);
• a large volume of food and industrial cargo;
• dependence on the security situation.
Prices in Odesa vary: simple clearance costs about the same as in Kyiv, but for "sensitive" goods (food, appliances, equipment) a broker's services can be more expensive.
Kharkiv
Despite its proximity to the combat zone, Kharkiv remains an important regional centre for business in eastern Ukraine.
Features of the region:
• a smaller volume of cargo because of the risks;
• a reduced number of customs brokers;
• the need for extreme accuracy and correctness of documents.
Prices here may be lower than in Kyiv or Odesa, but because of the smaller choice of specialists it is important to work with verified brokers.
The impact of the war on the customs brokerage market
The war has significantly changed logistics and customs clearance:
• the amount of cargo has decreased — some businesses have stopped or reoriented to the domestic market;
• some customs brokers have left the country in search of a safer environment;
• many specialists have been mobilised — accordingly, the market has experienced a shortage of qualified personnel.
This has created a situation where there is less cargo, and even fewer available specialists. As a result, every delay or error at customs can cost a company significant losses.
Why the services of a customs broker have become more expensive
There are several key reasons:
• a shortage of specialists on the market;
• the increased load on the western border;
• the complication of logistics because of the war;
• new requirements for checking cargo.
As a result, the price has risen by 20–30%, and this trend will continue, since demand for professional support is only growing.
Why cooperation with a customs broker is more advantageous than clearing goods yourself.
Some companies try to cut costs and clear cargo themselves. In practice this leads to:
• delays at customs;
• additional checks and fines;
• missed delivery deadlines and dissatisfied customers.
A customs broker is not just a "paperwork helper". It is an expert who takes responsibility for the correctness and speed of passing customs procedures.
Why it is important to choose professionals
Customs clearance is not only declarations, but also:
• the correct determination of the UKT ZED code;
• the assessment of customs payments;
• consultations on regimes (import, export, re-export, temporary import);
• avoiding fines and delays.
In wartime conditions, even a small error can lead to a week's delay or to financial losses.
Case studies from practice
• Case 1: Our client — a Ukrainian exporter — faced a delay at customs because of a shortage of brokers in the region. We promptly provided a specialist, and thanks to this the cargo was cleared without fines and delivered exactly on time.
• Case 2: An importer tried to clear goods on their own, but because of errors in the documents received an assessment of additional customs payments. After switching to our support, all supplies began to pass without delays, and costs fell by 15%.
Our approach
We work in all the key customs regions of Ukraine — Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa and Kharkiv. This gives our clients:
• flexibility — the choice of the optimal clearance point depending on the route;
• savings — taking into account the difference in rates between cities;
• speed — clear paperwork without unnecessary delays;
• expertise — many years of experience working with various categories of goods.
The customs services market in Ukraine has changed: there is less cargo, but fewer specialists too. Prices have risen, but business is still interested in high-quality and fast clearance.
Today a customs broker is not just an intermediary, but a partner who ensures the continuity of foreign economic processes. And cooperation with an experienced company is a guarantee that even in the most difficult conditions your business will operate stably.
