Poland simplifies export of drones to Ukraine

Starting tomorrow, the export of drones from Poland to Ukraine can be carried out on the basis of a general permit issued by the Minister of Economic Development and Technology of the Republic of Poland. The decision was made by the Government of Poland in response to a request from Ukraine.

"The Armed Forces of Ukraine desperately need UAVs, both of domestic and foreign production, to defend our country and defeat the aggressor. The Government of Ukraine has simplified the import of UAVs. At the same time, Ukraine worked with our partners at all levels to ensure that the relevant simplifications were adopted by them. In particular, this issue was raised during meetings with Polish colleagues by the First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko, and the Ministry of Economy sent a letter to our partners. Today we have the result of our work. The decision of the Polish Government will help speed up the delivery of UAVs to the frontline, strengthen Ukraine's defence capabilities and accelerate the victory over the aggressor," said Taras Kachka, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine, Trade Representative of Ukraine.

According to him, in accordance with the decision of the Minister of Economic Development and Technology of the Republic of Poland, the 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.

According to Taras Kachka, the decision of Poland is also extremely important for us because it is in this country that our volunteers purchase the largest amounts of UAVs.

Therefore, the permit applies only to a certain category of drones specified in the order. Namely, unmanned aerial vehicles designed for controlled flight beyond the operator's line of sight, with a maximum duration of at least 30 minutes but less than 1 hour, and intended for take-off and maintenance. Stable controlled flight is carried out with wind gusts of at least 46.3 km/h.

However, a general permit shall not be granted if the exporter or supplier knows or has been informed that the specified 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. The permit is also not granted if they are used as parts or components of weapons that have been exported without or in violation of the required permit.

As a reminder, on 14 February, the Government adopted a decision to simplify the import of military and dual-use goods into Ukraine. In particular, the list of military and dual-use goods that can be imported by individuals and legal entities without the permission of the State Export Control Service includes, in particular UAVs and their components.