Wholesale Alcohol License in Ukraine
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What we offer
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Analyzing the wholesale business model, product range, product origin, manufacturer status, and actual storage locations.
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Determining the required license type and checking eligibility for a special rate or a statutory exemption.
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Verifying registration and tax details, Form No. 20-OPP information, qualified electronic signature (QES), Electronic Cabinet, electronic correspondence with the State Tax Service of Ukraine, and the signatory’s authority.
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Preparing the prescribed application and verifying the payment details for the first annual payment. For a wholesale alcohol license, only an application is generally required; no additional document package is attached.
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Submitting the application or arranging for its submission and monitoring the ten-day review period.
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Preparing explanations and responding to requests from the licensing authority, where necessary and within the agreed scope of services.
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Verifying that the information has been entered in the Unified Register of Licensees following approval and providing the client with an electronic extract.
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Assisting separately with entering actual storage locations in the Unified Register of Storage Locations, where required by the client’s business model.
Providing remote assistance with obtaining a wholesale alcohol license to businesses throughout Ukraine. The licensing authority is determined by the applicant’s location; any need for personal attendance or an on-site visit is agreed separately.
Information and Documents Required to Obtain a Wholesale Alcohol License
Planning to supply alcoholic beverages to shops, restaurants, retail chains, distributors, or other companies? You must obtain a wholesale alcohol license before starting sales.
The main challenge is not submitting the application itself, but selecting the correct type of license. The annual state fee depends on the product range, production method, and business status. A mistake may result in overpayment or obtaining a license that does not cover the business’s actual activities.
The lawyers at Pravova Dopomoga will analyze your business model, determine the required license type, check whether your company is ready for licensing, and guide you through the procedure until the details are entered in the state register. If necessary, we will also register alcohol storage locations.
Legal assistance outcome: The appropriate licensing procedure is determined, the application is prepared and submitted, its review is supported, and, if the State Tax Service of Ukraine approves the application, the license entry in the Unified Register of Licensees is verified and an electronic extract is obtained. Wholesale sales may begin once the right to conduct them arises in accordance with Article 43 of Law No. 3817-IX.
Who Needs a Wholesale Alcohol License?
A wholesale alcohol license is required for businesses that sell alcoholic beverages to other business entities for resale or use in their business activities.
This service is relevant for:
- Importers** who bring alcohol into Ukraine for resale;
- Distributors and suppliers of alcoholic beverages;
- Producers of wine, beer, distillates, and other alcoholic beverages;
- Small-scale producers of wine products, beer, or distillates;
- Companies supplying alcohol to shops, restaurants, bars, and retail chains;
- Entrepreneurs planning to sell wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages wholesale;
- Individual entrepreneurs and legal entities combining wholesale and retail activities.
Please note: A wholesale alcohol license does not authorize the sale of alcohol to end consumers. A separate retail alcohol license is required to sell alcohol through a shop, bar, restaurant, or other retail outlet.
** A separate license specifically for importing alcohol is not issued. If imported products will be supplied to Ukrainian companies, the importer needs a wholesale alcohol license.
Who Issues a Wholesale Alcohol License?
Wholesale alcohol licenses are issued by the territorial bodies of the State Tax Service of Ukraine. The application must be submitted to the tax authority at the applicant’s registered location.
For example, for a company or individual entrepreneur registered in Kyiv, the licensing authority is the Main Department of the State Tax Service in Kyiv. If the applicant is registered in Kyiv Oblast, the relevant authority is the Main Department of the State Tax Service in Kyiv Oblast.
The application may be submitted:
- directly to the relevant State Tax Service authority;
- by registered mail;
- electronically through the taxpayer’s Electronic Cabinet.
The territorial body of the State Tax Service verifies the information provided in the application and decides whether to grant the license or refuse it. If the application is approved, the license details are entered in the Unified Register of Licensees, and the applicant receives an electronic extract from the register.
Under the new procedure, no separate paper license document is issued. The right to conduct wholesale alcohol sales is confirmed by the register entry and the electronic extract.
Please note! The applicant acquires the right to conduct wholesale sales on the date the license details are entered in the Unified Register of Licensees. If the State Tax Service does not send the extract or a refusal decision within the prescribed period, the special mechanism under Parts 8 and 9 of Article 43 of Law No. 3817-IX applies. Whether business activities may begin in such circumstances must be verified separately against the register and relevant documents.
How to Obtain a Wholesale Alcohol License: What to Submit to the State Tax Service
To obtain a license, the applicant generally submits an application in the prescribed form approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Resolution No. 37. Before preparing the application, however, the license type must be determined and the following must be verified:
- the applicant’s registration and tax details;
- the authority of the person signing the application;
- electronic identification and correspondence with the State Tax Service;
- the qualified electronic signature (QES) and Electronic Cabinet;
- information about taxable objects under Form No. 20-OPP;
- actual product storage locations;
- the accuracy of the state payment details.
The information required to prepare the application depends on the products, the origin of the alcohol, the manufacturer’s status, and the storage arrangements. We will review the information available and advise you on what needs to be prepared or corrected in your particular case before applying to the State Tax Service.
* A power of attorney is not a mandatory document for obtaining a wholesale license itself. It is required if a lawyer represents the client, signs or submits documents, or obtains information on the client’s behalf. If necessary, we will prepare a draft power of attorney tailored to the agreed scope of authority and the application submission method.
What to Consider Before Submitting the Application
Correctly completing the license application depends on the products you intend to sell, whether they are produced in-house, and whether the business qualifies as a small-scale producer.
These factors directly affect the type of license required and the amount of the state fee. We therefore analyze your business model first and only then prepare the payment details. We also verify:
- the applicant’s tax registration;
- Electronic identification in the taxpayer’s Electronic Cabinet;
- activation of electronic correspondence with the State Tax Service;
- information about taxable objects;
- the authority of the person signing the application;
- whether storage locations need to be registered.
This process helps identify potential issues before a substantial state fee is paid and prevents obtaining a license that does not match the actual business model.
Service packages offers
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Advising on the documents required to obtain a license
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Reviewing the documents available to the Client;
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Preparing the complete set of documents required to obtain the license
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Preparing the payment details for the license fee
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Submitting the documents and monitoring the application review and the availability of a licensing decision
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Registering up to three storage locations for wholesale quantities of alcoholic beverages
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Advising on the most suitable type of license for your business activities
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Reviewing the documents available to the Client
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Preparing the application and the complete set of documents required to obtain the license
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Preparing the payment details for the license fee
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Submitting the documents and monitoring the application review and the licensing decision
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Registering more than 3 storage locations for wholesale quantities of alcoholic beverages
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Developing an optimal business model for alcohol trading, explaining its advantages and disadvantages from commercial law, tax, corporate, and licensing perspectives
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Preparing an extended written consultation on starting a business involving the wholesale trade in alcoholic beverages
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Explaining the full step-by-step process for obtaining the required license and launching the business
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Analyzing the planned business model for wholesale trade in alcoholic beverages
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Determining the type of license required for the intended business activities
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Advising on the main legal requirements for license holders, including storage locations, documentation, and organizational requirements
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Reviewing the client’s current situation and identifying the documents required to obtain the license
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Answering the client’s questions about the licensing procedure and starting operations
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Providing recommendations on the next steps toward obtaining the license
How Much Does a Wholesale Alcohol License Cost in 2026?
In 2026, the annual fee for a general license for wholesale trade in alcoholic beverages is UAH 734,995. Special rates apply to small-scale producers and businesses selling certain types of alcoholic products, starting at UAH 1,297.05 per year.
The exact cost depends on the type of product, the production method, and the status of the business.
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License Type |
Who It Applies To |
Annual State Fee |
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Wholesale trade in alcoholic beverages |
Importers, distributors, suppliers, and other companies that sell alcoholic beverages wholesale and do not qualify for a special rate |
UAH 734,995 |
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Wholesale trade in alcoholic beverages of own production for small-scale producers |
Small-scale producers of distillates, wine products, and beer that sell alcoholic beverages of their own production |
UAH 38,911.50 |
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Wholesale trade in certain beverages without added alcohol |
Producers of grape wines, fruit and berry wines, and honey-based beverages made from wine materials of their own production, provided that the raw material origin requirements are met |
UAH 43,235 |
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Wholesale trade exclusively in cider and perry without added alcohol |
Companies and individual entrepreneurs that sell only cider and perry without added alcohol wholesale |
UAH 1,297.05 |
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Wholesale trade exclusively in beer for producers with annual production of up to 3,000 hectoliters |
Beer producers whose annual production does not exceed 3,000 hectoliters |
UAH 38,911.50 |
Please note! The first annual fee must be paid before the license is obtained. The application must state the budget classification code, payment amount, payment instruction number, and payment date. In practice, the payment is therefore made before submitting the application, after verifying the license type and payment details. Each subsequent annual fee must be paid before the start of the next annual period, and the licensing authority must be notified of the payment.
The main risk at this stage is paying for the wrong type of license. For example, a reduced rate does not apply automatically simply because production volumes are low. The business must meet all the criteria established by law.
We can provide turnkey assistance with obtaining a wholesale alcohol license or help with an individual stage, such as registering a place of trade. If you also plan to supply tobacco products, we can help you obtain a wholesale tobacco license.
Special Rules for Beer Producers
For a new brewery, the key question is whether it qualifies as a small-scale beer producer. A producer qualifies if it meets all of the following conditions:
- produces no more than 10,000 hectoliters of beer per calendar year using the full production cycle;
- ses premises that are physically separate from the premises of any other brewery;
- s not a related party to any other beer producer;
- does not produce beer under an agreement granting the right to use another producer’s trademark or production process.
If two or more small-scale breweries cooperate, their combined annual production volume is taken into account when determining eligibility for the special regime. It must also not exceed 10,000 hectoliters.
When a Separate Wholesale License Is Not Required
If a producer meets all the criteria listed above and holds a license to produce beer, it may sell beer of its own production wholesale without a separate wholesale beer license.
When a Separate License Is Required
A separate wholesale license is required if the producer fails to meet at least one of the criteria for small-scale beer production or sells beer that it did not produce itself or other alcoholic beverages wholesale. A small-scale producer must obtain a retail license for alcoholic beverages in any case if it intends to sell beer at retail.
What the 3,000-Hectoliter Threshold Means
The 3,000-hectoliter threshold does not determine small-scale beer producer status under current Law No. 3817-IX. It originates from the previous licensing framework and remains in the State Tax Service’s payment reference materials, including for licenses issued before January 1, 2025, that remain valid until their expiry.
Timeframe and Procedure for Obtaining a Wholesale Alcohol License
The State Tax Service must decide whether to grant or refuse a wholesale alcohol license within 10 business days of receiving the application. This period does not include the time required for the client and lawyers to audit the initial information, correct registration details, pay the first fee, and prepare the application.
The first state fee must be paid before the license is obtained. It is not included in the cost of legal assistance.
Please note! The license is valid indefinitely, but the prescribed fee must be paid annually.
Why Can the State Tax Service Refuse to Issue a License?
The State Tax Service of Ukraine (STS) may refuse to issue a license only on grounds established by law. For wholesale alcohol trading, problems most commonly arise if:
- the Unified State Register (USR) contains no information about the applicant or includes an entry stating that the applicant has been terminated;
- the applicant is not registered or recorded for tax purposes, or has not submitted Form No. 20-ОПП notification regarding the business premises or other taxable objects through which the licensed activity will be conducted;
- the application does not follow the prescribed form or submission procedure;
- the application is signed by a person without proper authority;
- the payment details stated in the application do not match the records held by the licensing authority;
- the applicant has not completed electronic identification in the taxpayer’s Electronic Cabinet or does not conduct electronic correspondence with the STS;
- a court has prohibited the relevant activity, a statutory sanction has been imposed, or the applicant is found to be controlled by residents of an aggressor state;
- the application is submitted in violation of a special deadline for reapplication in cases specified by law.
The refusal decision must specify the exact legal grounds. The STS sends the decision to the applicant electronically no later than the next business day after it is made.
Once the violations have been remedied, the applicant may submit the application again, except where the law establishes a specific period for reapplication.
Before submitting the application, our lawyers check registration and tax records, Form No. 20-OPP information, the signatory’s authority, Electronic Cabinet settings, and payment details. This helps identify most common grounds for refusal before the official review begins.
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Important Considerations Before Starting Wholesale Alcohol Trading
When Can You Start Selling Alcoholic Beverages Wholesale?
Paying the state fee or submitting an application does not in itself authorize the sale of alcoholic beverages. Wholesale trading may begin only after the license details have been entered in the Unified Register of Licensees.
When planning the first delivery date, you should account not only for the application review period but also for the time required for a preliminary business audit, payment of the state fee, and registration of storage locations.
Penalties for Trading Alcohol Without a License
Wholesale or retail trade in alcoholic beverages without the appropriate license is subject to a financial penalty equal to 200% of the value of the products sold, but not less than three minimum monthly wages.
In 2026, the minimum penalty is UAH 25,941.
The penalty is calculated based on the value of the products sold, not the company’s profit. Therefore, even a single unlicensed delivery can result in significant financial losses.
Requirements for Alcohol Storage Locations
Alcoholic beverages must be stored at locations entered in the Unified Register of Storage Locations, except where the law expressly provides otherwise. In particular, temporary storage warehouses, customs warehouses, and other premises used to store goods under customs control do not require such registration. A retail license holder may store alcohol at its retail sales location without separately registering that address.
A producer must separately register storage locations situated at an address different from the production site. An office where alcohol is not physically stored does not qualify as a storage location merely because contracts are signed there.
Before operations begin, we check the actual movement of goods, addresses, premises documents, and whether any statutory exceptions apply.
Selling Alcoholic Beverages to Business Partners
Before supplying alcoholic beverages, the buyer’s legal status and the purpose of the purchase must be established. If the products are purchased for resale, the counterparty must hold the appropriate wholesale or retail license. Separate rules apply when alcohol is purchased for production purposes.
It is advisable to conduct counterparty due diligence not only before the first delivery but also throughout the business relationship to ensure that the counterparty’s license remains valid.
Answers to frequently asked questions
What license does an alcohol importer need?
A separate license for importing alcohol is not issued. If imported products will be supplied to shops, restaurants, distributors, or other business entities, the importer needs a wholesale alcohol license. If alcohol will also be sold to end consumers through the importer’s own retail outlets, the need for a retail license must also be assessed.
Can the state fee be paid for several years in advance?
No. The fee for a wholesale alcohol license must be paid annually. The law does not provide for paying the license fee for several years in advance.
Shall I own a warehouse for wholesale alcohol trading?
No. The warehouse may be owned or leased. If alcohol is physically stored on the premises, the relevant property documents and the need to enter the address in the Unified Register of Storage Locations must be checked. If the premises are used only as an office or sales location and no products are stored there, separate registration may not be required.
Where should an application for a wholesale alcohol license be submitted?
The application must be submitted to the territorial body of the State Tax Service of Ukraine (STS) at the applicant’s registered location. It may be submitted in person, sent by registered mail, or filed through the taxpayer’s Electronic Cabinet. If the company is registered in Kyiv, the application is handled by the Main Department of the STS in Kyiv. If it is registered in Kyiv Oblast, it is handled by the Main Department of the STS in Kyiv Oblast.
Can I obtain a wholesale alcohol license remotely?
A substantial part of the procedure can be handled remotely, including conducting an audit, preparing the application, verifying payment details, and submitting documents electronically. We assist clients in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast. Whether personal attendance is required depends on the submission method and the specific circumstances.
Legal Consultation on Obtaining a Wholesale Alcohol License
Do you want not only to obtain an alcohol trading license but also to understand every step of the process? Start with an initial consultation.
During the licensing consultation, you meet the lawyer who will handle your case and receive answers to your specific questions, without generic advice. The lawyer will:
- explain which documents are required for your wholesale alcohol license;
- help you choose the most suitable type of wholesale alcohol license;
- develop a step-by-step action plan tailored to your goals.
If your case is more complex or you want to understand all the details of launching an alcohol business from the outset, consider our “Roadmap” service package.
A Single Delivery Without a Wholesale Alcohol License Can Cost More Than the Licensing Process Itself
Some entrepreneurs think they can start selling first and obtain a wholesale alcohol license later. This is a mistake that can result in a fine of at least UAH 25,941, and often more, depending on the value of the delivery.
Licensing wholesale alcohol sales requires careful attention to detail, and costly mistakes are relatively common. That is why legal assistance is important to anticipate risks and avoid problems not only during the licensing process but also in the future.
Why Clients Choose Pravova Dopomoga Law Firm for Obtaining a Wholesale Alcohol License
We have been providing legal services for over 16 years. During this time, we have not simply accumulated knowledge; we have developed practical expertise that makes the licensing process straightforward, secure, and efficient.
Pravova Dopomoga has its own quality standards for service delivery, which we work to improve every day. Our goal is not merely to resolve a client’s issue but to do so in a way that makes them want to return whenever they need legal assistance again. By choosing us, you receive not only a high-quality solution to your problem but also excellent service.
- Reliability. When we take on a task, we see it through to completion, without unnecessary delays or inflated costs.
- Simplicity. We do not try to make tasks artificially complicated. On the contrary, finding a straightforward solution to every issue is our main goal. We also explain that solution in clear, accessible language so you can understand the entire process.
- Efficiency. Our lawyers’ experience and knowledge across various areas of law enable us to take the steps needed to resolve your issue as effectively as possible.
- Accessibility. We are always available. You will not have to chase your client manager for updates. They will keep you informed of every development.
Focus on goals, not just tasks. Our extensive legal expertise and experience allow us to assess the overall situation and focus on your primary business objective rather than simply completing the task at hand, while taking your needs into account.
Alcohol sales offer promising business opportunities but require careful attention to detail. Entrust your wholesale alcohol license application to lawyers with over 10 years of experience in this field.
Call us or submit an online application through our website.
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