NBU expands list of exemptions to currency restrictions for volunteers

The National Bank has expanded the list of goods that volunteers can purchase abroad using their hryvnia cards.

This was reported by the NBU press service, according to Ukrinform.

"The list of defense-related goods, which can be purchased in order to maintain the defense capability of Ukraine, has been supplemented with thermal imagers and a number of other devices: volunteers (individuals) can pay with hryvnia payment cards abroad without restrictions; individuals can purchase foreign currency and transfer it abroad (within monthly limit in the equivalent of UAH 400,000)", the statement reads.

The NBU recalled that the relevant list also includes radios, bulletproof vests, helmets, military and tactical uniforms, military and tactical footwear, protective clothing, optical surveillance devices, unmanned aerial vehicles, sleeping bags, emergency medical aid, and means of providing first aid .

In addition, a decision was made regarding the use of foreign currency by charitable foundations. Banks will not take into account the available balances of funds in foreign currency in the accounts of charitable funds and neither will they require the sale and/or use of available currency when granting applications for the purchase of foreign currency to pay for import contracts.

"The decision was made in view of the fact that foreign currency can be deposited into the accounts of charitable funds as aid with a specific purpose," the NBU said.

The regulator recalled that from September 6, 2022, to make transactions in foreign currency, legal entities must first use the foreign currency available to them, and then, if necessary, buy it on Ukraine’s foreign exchange market.