Import of popular cars will be banned in Ukraine

Import of popular cars will be banned in Ukraine

From January 1, 2025, new rules for importing cars will come into effect in Ukraine. This innovation, which has been postponed multiple times due to the war, will significantly limit the number of cars that can be imported from abroad.

If currently passenger cars that meet the "Euro 2" environmental standard and above (i.e., manufactured after 1996) can be imported into Ukraine, from January 1, 2025, only cars that meet the "Euro 6" standard (manufactured after 2015) will be allowed.

Who is threatened by the ban?

According to Mauto, the new rules will apply only to new and used vehicles of the following categories:

• semi-trailer tractors;
• buses;
• trucks;
• special equipment (crane trucks, tow trucks, etc.);
• new passenger cars undergoing initial registration.

If currently passenger cars that meet the "Euro 2" environmental standard and above (i.e., manufactured after 1996) can be imported into Ukraine, from January 1, 2025, only cars that meet the "Euro 6" standard (manufactured after 2015) will be allowed.

Used passenger cars that have already been in use will not be subject to the new rules. Ukrainians will still be able to import used cars manufactured after 1996 ("Euro 2"). The changes will also not affect electric cars, as they do not have internal combustion engines.

The ban will not apply to certain vehicles imported into Ukraine as humanitarian aid or for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The introduction of new car import rules is an important step towards updating Ukraine’s vehicle fleet and improving the ecological situation, but it may also lead to an increase in prices for new and used cars.