Ukrainian Parliament Excluding Domestic Drone Manufacturers From Import Duty And VAT

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is expected to immediately agree to the rules regarding drone import duties. (photo: twitter @ZelenskyyUa)

JAKARTA - The Ukrainian Parliament voted Monday, May 29 to remove domestic drone manufacturers from import duty and value added tax. This was conveyed by a senior lawmaker, in a move meant to help sectors deemed important to Ukraine's war efforts.

"The exception is listed in two laws supported by lawmakers, which include imports of equipment and other components for drone production and repair," MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak wrote via Telegram message.

The law still requires President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's approval before it takes effect.

Ukraine sees drones as a cost-effective way to narrow the huge armament gap with Russia, a nuclear superpower that has the long-range conventional capability to carry out airstrikes against targets across Ukraine.

Ukraine's Defense Ministry has stated that it works with more than 80 drone manufacturers.

In a previous conversation with Reuters, Ukrainian drone manufacturers and non-governmental organizations have highlighted customs regulation as a major challenge in increasing production volume.

Verkhovna Rada, or Ukrainian parliament, continues to hold trials in Kiev despite the full Russian-scale invasion, but these sessions are now not open to the public.