Members of the European Business Association (EBA) in Ukraine have complained that woodworking industry products have been practically blocked at the Polish customs since March 15, Ukrainian media reported with reference to the EBA's statement available on its website.
'According to preliminary information, the Polish side is stopping shipments to verify the origin of raw materials used by Ukrainian manufacturers, particularly to ensure compliance with sanctions. However, the Polish customs authorities have not provided any specific claims regarding document discrepancies or violations to the member companies of the EBA's Woodworking and Furniture Committee,' the EBA said.
Ukrainian businesses have produced all the customs clearance documents required by Polish customs authorities, including supply contracts with branches of the Forests of Ukraine state company, delivery notes, logging tickets, certificates of origin, and other essential documents confirming the legality and transparency of their operations, it said.
However, while all the required documents have been submitted to confirm the legality and origin of the raw materials, shipments continue to be delayed and blocked, which imposes extra costs on the companies because of downtime and having to adjust their routine logistics chains.
'The current situation poses serious threats to Ukraine's woodworking industry. The sector is almost entirely export-oriented, and the blockade results in direct losses of foreign exchange revenue, causing multimillion-dollar damages to both businesses and the state budget of Ukraine,' the EBA said.
Prolonged shipment blockages could lead to production shutdowns, loss of export contracts, mass layoffs, and a shortfall in tax revenues at all levels, it said.
Considering this, the EBA has urged the Ukrainian government, the Foreign Ministry, and the Economy Ministry to help probe the reasons behind the blockages and find ways to settle the problem.
The EBA pointed out that this was not the first time Ukrainian exports were restricted. 'In 2023 and 2024, similar actions by Polish customs authorities already led to a significant loss of European market clients for Ukrainian producers, seriously affecting the competitiveness of domestic enterprises,' it said.
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