Starting from 28 April, Poland will simplify the export of drones to Ukraine – it can be carried out on the basis of a general permit issued by the Minister of Development and Technology of the neighbouring country, the Ukrainian Economy Ministry has said.
According to Taras Kachka, Ukraine's trade representative, in accordance with the decision of the Minister of Development and Technology of the Republic of Poland, a general permit for the export of UAVs to Ukraine can be used by any entity located in Poland (commercial or non-profit organisation or individual). The introduction of the general permit eliminates the need to obtain an individual permit for each batch of drones.
Kachka noted that Poland's decision is also extremely important because it is through this country that Ukrainian volunteers purchase the bulk of UAVs.
It is true that the permit applies only to a certain category of drones. These are UAVs designed for controlled flight beyond the operator's line of sight with a maximum duration of at least 30 minutes but less than an hour, and intended for take-off and maintenance. Stable controlled flight with wind gusts must be at least 46.3 km/h.
"At the same time, a general permit shall not be granted if the exporter or supplier knows or has been informed that the said UAVs are or may be intended, in whole or in part, for use in connection with the development, production, handling, operation, maintenance, storage, detection, identification or proliferation of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons or in connection with the development, production, maintenance or storage of missiles capable of delivering such weapons. Also, the permit is not granted if they are used as parts or components of weapons that were exported without or in violation of the required permit," the Ministry of Economy said.
In February, MPs exempted the import of drones, thermal imagers, radios and other equipment for the military from VAT and customs duties.