How to Win Government Contracts in Ukraine: Complete Procurement Guide 2025

What is Ukrainian Government Procurement?

Ukrainian government procurement is a regulated system for purchasing goods, services, and works by state institutions. International companies can participate through the ProZorro electronic platform, following WTO Government Procurement Agreement rules since 2016. Key requirements include supplier registration, compliance certificates, and adherence to transparency standards.

Overview

Ukraine’s public procurement environment has seen significant transformations following its integration into the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) and its commitments under the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) agreement with the European Union. To effectively participate, international firms need clarity on legal structures, compliance expectations, and strategic entry processes. This guide synthesizes official insights from Ukrainian authorities, WTO reports, and intergovernmental materials.

Legal Framework Governing Public Procurement

Membership in International Agreements

Ukraine’s public procurement rules are shaped primarily by its membership in key international agreements:

No Discrimination Under WTO GPA: Ukraine, a signatory to the GPA since 2016, guarantees fair and equal competitive conditions for foreign suppliers in defined sectors. Thresholds and transparency measures comply fully with GPA benchmarks.

EU-Ukraine Association Agreement (DCFTA): This agreement promotes trade by providing tariff-free access for goods and services which meet EU-aligned regulations. Bilateral trade exceeding €67 billion annually underscores increased EU market access and harmonisation advantages.

Reforms have accelerated digital transformation, notably through the ProZorro system, adopting Open Contracting Data Standards (OCDS). Regulations effective from February 2025 mandate electronic catalogues for cloud and data services, with strict compliance required by December 2025.

Registration Requirements and Documentation

How do I register as a supplier in Ukraine?

ProZorro System Registration: International suppliers must register through Ukraine’s official ProZorro procurement portal (https://prozorro.gov.ua/en). This is the mandatory electronic system for all Ukrainian government procurement. Required documentation includes:

• Corporate identification codes (USREOU for Ukrainian entities)
• Tax identification numbers
• International legal entity identifiers (LEI codes)
• Conformity certificates from accredited bodies

UNDP Projects: For specific UN projects, separate registration may be required through the UNDP Quantum portal (https://supplier.quantum.partneragencies.org/).

What compliance requirements must I meet?

Cloud and Data Services: Providers offering digital services to state entities must obtain conformity certifications ensuring cybersecurity standards and operational continuity. Non-compliance results in penalties up to 20% of contract value.

Asset Declaration Requirements: Key personnel must submit asset declarations through Ukraine’s National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) register. Exceptions apply during martial law or pending judicial proceedings.

What documents do I need to prepare?

Essential documentation includes:

• Valid business registration certificates
• Tax compliance certificates
• Technical capability statements
• Financial capacity documentation
• Quality assurance certifications

Sector-Specific Opportunities and Requirements

What are the major procurement categories in Ukraine?

Ukrainian public procurement covers a broad range of sectors through the ProZorro system. Over 3.2 million public contracts were concluded via ProZorro in 2024, totaling approximately UAH 888 billion, spanning multiple categories:

Infrastructure and Construction:

• Energy infrastructure reconstruction
• Transport and road development projects (including snow-plough equipment)
• Public building renovations and construction

Healthcare and Medical Services:

• Medical equipment and supplies
• Hospital food services and catering
• Healthcare facility maintenance and cleaning
• Pharmaceutical procurement

Education and Cultural Services:

• School refurbishments and equipment
• Library services and supplies
• Cultural institutions like the National Opera purchase materials for costumes, ballet shoes, musical instruments, printing, cleaning and security services through ProZorro

Defence and Security:

• Defence procurement of equipment and armament, which has already proven to reduce purchase prices for drones by 30%
• Security services and equipment

Learn more about Defence Spending trends in our last report.

Technology and Digital Services:

• Cloud service providers (with new compliance requirements from February 2025)
• IT infrastructure and software
• E-government platform development

Utilities and Energy:

• Oblast gas and power companies participate in public procurement with separate thresholds
• Energy equipment and maintenance services
• Public transport infrastructure (trolleybus tracks)

General Services:

• Cleaning and maintenance services
• Office supplies and equipment
• Vehicle fleet management
• Professional consulting services

What are the procurement thresholds?

Ukraine uses different procurement thresholds based on contract value:

• Up to UAH 50,000: Direct contracting with reporting requirement
• UAH 50,000 to UAH 200,000 (goods/services) and to UAH 1.5 million (works): Simplified procurement
• Above UAH 200,000 (goods/services) and above UAH 1.5 million (works): Open bidding required
• Above EUR 133,000 (goods/services) and EUR 5,150,000 (works): Open bidding with English publication

Risk Mitigation Through Due Diligence

What are the key compliance requirements post-2022?

Following Russia’s invasion, Ukraine implemented enhanced anti-corruption measures and rigorous vetting procedures:

Ownership Verification: Suppliers must verify complete ownership structures to confirm absence of beneficial owners from sanctioned regions (Russia/Belarus). Use official NACP databases for verification.

Supply Chain Transparency: Full disclosure of subcontractor networks and supply chains is mandatory under current Defense Procurement guidelines.

Regular Compliance Monitoring: Review updated exclusion lists published by Ukrainian anti-corruption institutions regularly to maintain eligibility.

How can I verify supplier eligibility?

Use these official resources:

• National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) database
• Updated sanctions lists
• Procurement eligibility registers
• Asset declaration records

Leveraging International Agreements

Utilizing international frameworks can enhance competitive positioning:

WTO GPA: Provides reciprocal market access in specific sectors, including utilities and construction, allowing open competition in higher-value contracts (above ~€200,000).

EU Trade Pacts (DCFTA/CETA): Facilitate ease of entry for Canadian and EU firms without mandatory local incorporation, significantly reducing barriers to entry.

The Ukrainian Market Court settles procurement disputes transparently and according to 2014/24/EU Directives, ensuring fair arbitration for international suppliers.

Strategic Recommendations for Success

How can I optimize my procurement strategy?

Complete Registration Early: Register on official platforms like Quantum Portal and obtain all required certifications well before critical deadlines, particularly the December 2025 deadline for cloud service providers.

Engage Legal Expertise: Work with specialized legal advisors experienced in cross-border procurement and Public-Private Partnerships. They help navigate local-content requirements and compliance regulations while maintaining competitiveness.

Leverage International Agreements: Utilize WTO GPA and DCFTA provisions strategically to expand market presence, especially in reconstruction and post-conflict recovery sectors.

By rigorously adhering to transparent procurement requirements, enhancing due diligence practices, and aligning closely with international and local frameworks, firms can position themselves effectively in Ukraine’s dynamic public procurement market.

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