KYIV. Dec 12 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Delivery of goods to individuals to Ukraine could double in 2016 and this would strengthen the pressure on retail chains, Board Chairperson of the Association of Information Technology Enterprises of Ukraine (AITEU) Ellina Shnurko-Tabakova has said.

"It is expected to see the double figure [from 20 million in 2015], even to 50 million [parcels]," she said at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine on December 9.

Earlier the association backed the initiative to toughen taxation for goods delivery to individuals from other countries, foreseeing the permit for duty free delivery only for goods worth under EUR 22, while today it is set at EUR 150. Later the association gave up the initiative after critics.

However, the State Fiscal Service backed the initiative. Its Head Roman Nasirov last week said that almost all small electronic goods in Ukraine arrive directly to consumers without paying taxes. There is a problem with duty free border trade.

"It would be a good thermometer – EUR 22, as it showed that society and the system are not ready to change something," Shnurko-Tabakova said.

"We are sure that finally the right cooperation of various sector associations and civil unions would help and make the state to hear exporters," she said.

Lawmaker of Kyiv City Council Serhiy Bashlakov spoke at the press conference protecting the AITEU.

"Recently the AITEU are presented as scoundrels who want to make money out of Ukrainian citizens. I would like to say that this is not so… The AITEU are manufacturers, importers and retailers. They are all interested that Ukrainian citizens were able to pay," he said.

He said that exporters are interested in retaining small income of Ukrainians as this helps them to retain low cash cost of their goods.

"The main problem for all AITEU members is poverty we have now in the country. Poverty promotes all 'grey' things," he said.