Chocolate question???

[Terran]

Hello,

I am not sure if this thread is in the right section of the forum but my question is... How much chocolate can be brought into Ukraine when travelling? Next year i will be travelling to Kharkov. It will be my first time in Ukraine. I have some friends who have asked me to bring chocolate as it is more expensive for them. I cant seem to find any answers on the border and customs site and so maybe someone here knows or has some experience bringing some in. I am not talking about a large amount but enough for some kids and a few adults.

Also is chocolate something that Ukraine customs cares about? Would they ask me to pay tax on it? I have travelled to many countries and brought tons of chocolate for family and never been questioned once. However Ukraine might be different.

Thanks

[Faux Pas]

As much as you want to pack in your suitcase or carry on will be fine. I don't know that they regulate it and even if they did, they likely would care

If you had so much it appeared you were going to sell it, they might insist on paying tax on it

[Olly]

you can bring some food in Ukraina. it have to be under 50 euro. in packing of the manufacturer - in number of no more than one packing or weight which doesn't exceed 2 kgs for one person.
it is requirement of customs.

[Mila]

Hi! Yes, I agree with Olly, but I think that you shouldn't worry about that, as none of my clients had a problem with that before, so, as far as it is no more than a ton, it should be OK!  

[Daveman]

Hi Terran,




Just remember one thing though.. chocolate doesn't smuggle well in body cavities... you know.. just so ya know...


... ehhh... don't ask...

[Terran]

Thanks for the responses... I was just thinking about bringing maybe 3-4 KG of mini chocolate bars in my checked baggage. But how often do they search a tourists luggage in Kharkov? Or is it better to land in Kyiv then go domestic flight? Last thing i want to do it get caught smuggling 1-2 KG of extra chocolate. To me i dont think chocolate should be a big deal for customs. Most countries i have visited don't care how much chocolate you bring and you dont have to declare it.

Maybe i will just email customs and ask directly.

I agree Dave..... putting Chocolate in places that is a bit warm might give people the wrong impression.

[GQBlues]

Terran-
 
Not sure where you're coming from, but in most airports, if not all of them, you'll find duty-free shops where you can buy anything you want to take along with you. It won't even count as part of your luggage weight. That includes sweets and chocolates,etc... 4 kg isn't that much at all...

[Terran]

I will be flying from Canada. I'm not to concerned about my lugguage weight because it will be well within the airlines restrictions. But when going through customs in Ukraine thats a different story.

Anyway thanks everyone for the advice. I have lots of time to figure it all out.

[mendeleyev]

I can't imagine how it would be hard for them to get. Chocolate is such a common item and easy to find even in the smallest of towns, not to mention cheap to purchase.

However milk chocolate in North America is often too sweet (watered down with milk and sugar) for average FSU taste buds. It is a very proper gift when visiting however so my comments are not meant to discourage you from taking it.

If you can find a chocolate that is made in your region that would make it an even more special gift because of the local connection to the chocolate and where you live.

While there is little reason to load up a suitcase on something easy to find in Ukraine/Russia, most of us having tasted European dark chocolate in places like Ukraine and Russia are interested in bringing a suitcase full of their chocolate back home to North America.

In agreeing with other answer given on customs, most inspectors are asking themselves whether you are bring moderate amounts (of any item) for personal use and as gifts, or whether the amount is large enough to make a profit reselling. Pack accordingly.

[viking]

My wife will take many varieties of chocolate including candy bars ( snickers, and so forth) as these flavors and combinations of chocolate/peanuts/caramel may not be found in her country. It all gets eaten. Including the milk chocolate...sorry mendeleyev.

[mendeleyev]

 

Yet Mars, Inc is often ranked in the top 5 Western companies to have penetrated the FSU with their associated brands. I have never had an issue finding those.




Personally I think he should take local or regional brands, but save room in his suitcase for bringing lots of the good stuff back home.