Zelensky will be able to sign the law on “OLX tax”: the Rada repealed controversial amendments

The Verkhovna Rada has removed legislative obstacles that blocked the signing of the law on taxation of income from digital platforms for four months. The parliament supported amendments that preserve the current rules for financial monitoring of high-ranking officials. This paves the way for the document to be signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

On October 15, 2026, the Verkhovna Rada adopted draft law No. 16051-1, which provides for changes to the taxation of international parcels. At the same time, deputies supported an amendment that repeals controversial provisions of another law – on taxation of income from digital platforms.

Why Zelensky did not sign the law for four months

The draft law on taxation of digital platforms, known as the “OLX tax”, was adopted by the Verkhovna Rada back on June 9, 2026.

However, during its consideration, an amendment was made to the document that did not concern the taxation of online sales, but the financial monitoring of politically exposed persons (PEPs).

These are high-ranking officials, their close relatives and persons related to them, whose financial transactions are subject to additional control.

The controversial amendment provided for liability for banks that would continue to apply enhanced financial monitoring to former high-ranking officials after the end of 12 months from the moment of their dismissal.

In addition, in order to continue such control, banks would have to document the presence of unacceptably high risk.

These provisions caused concern among Ukraine’s European partners, which is why the president did not sign the adopted law.

What the Verkhovna Rada changed

During the vote on October 15, the people’s deputies supported amendments to draft law No. 16051-1, which repeal controversial changes in the field of financial monitoring.

Thus, the current rules for checking politically exposed persons should remain unchanged.

In Ukraine, PEP status is lifelong. At the same time, enhanced financial monitoring is applied during the person’s tenure in the relevant position and for one year after dismissal.

After this period, banks can continue additional checks if they believe that the activities of a particular person remain risky.

The parliament’s decision allows for the preservation of this control mechanism without introducing previously proposed restrictions for financial institutions.

Why this law is important for EU and IMF assistance

The adoption of legislation on taxation of income from digital platforms is one of Ukraine’s obligations to international partners.

In particular, the relevant changes are related to the conditions for receiving budget support and financing from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund.

At the same time, the weakening of financial control over politically exposed persons has caused objections from European partners.

As a result, a situation arose where the law necessary to fulfill international obligations contained provisions that themselves became the subject of criticism.

The repeal of the controversial amendments should eliminate this legislative contradiction.

What will happen to the “OLX tax”

After the adoption of bill No. 16051-1, it became possible to complete the procedure for signing the law on taxation of digital platforms.

According to the publication, the following sequence is expected:

The President will sign the law on taxation of digital platforms, adopted on June 9.
After that, bill No. 16051-1 on changes to the taxation of international parcels will be signed.

As a result, the controversial provisions on PEP financial monitoring will not change the current procedure for inspections.

At the same time, as of the time of the report, it is about the possibility of signing documents, and not about the already completed procedure.

What will change for Ukrainians

The legislative changes concern two areas of taxation.

The first is income received through digital platforms, in particular online sales services. It is because of this that the relevant law received the unofficial name “OLX tax”.

The second is international postal items. Draft Law No. 16051-1 provides for a revision of the rules for taxation of parcels, in particular, the abolition of the current exemption for commercial shipments worth up to 150 euros.

However, the specific dates for the entry into force of individual norms and the procedure for their application must be determined by the final texts of the laws after their signing and official publication.

Thus, the Verkhovna Rada has removed the obstacle to signing the law on taxation of digital platforms, while preserving the current mechanisms for financial control over high-ranking officials.