The Parliament of Ukraine approved amendments to the Customs Code: approximation to European standards

On August 22, the Ukrainian parliament adopted draft law No. 10411, which amends the Customs Code of Ukraine in order to harmonize its provisions with the legislation of the European Union. This is an important step on the way to the integration of Ukraine into the European customs system, which will allow to complete the implementation of most of the provisions of the EU customs legislation and national legislation.

Main innovations:

1. Customs representation: The concept of customs representation according to the European model was introduced, which provides for the division into direct and indirect representation with a clear separation of duties between the subject of international trade activity and its customs representative.
2. System of authorizations: Within a year and a half, there will be a smooth process of transition of companies engaged in foreign economic activities to an authorization system similar to the one operating in the EU. This will affect intermediaries in customs matters and other subjects of the customs sphere.
3. Customs warehouses: The European model of customs warehouses is being implemented, which expands the range of services and opportunities for enterprises engaged in foreign economic activity.
4. Financial guarantees: Enterprises with AEO status receive additional opportunities to confirm their financial capacity.
5. Customs regimes: The draft law provides for the implementation of European standards in the application of customs procedures and the delivery of goods in accordance with EU standards.
6. Transparency of customs procedures: In order to increase the transparency of the work of customs authorities, the official website of the State Customs Service will publish decisions regarding complaints in an impersonal form.

Anti-corruption measures and development of customs audit

The draft law provides for the strengthening of anti-corruption measures in the customs sphere. In particular, customs authorities will have the right to exchange information with foreign customs services in electronic form, which will contribute to the fight against evasion of customs payments.

The draft law is also aimed at developing post-customs control and combining it with customs audit measures to ensure the effectiveness of customs inspections.

Benefits for business

Enterprises with AEO status will receive preferences when crossing the border and using electronic queues. This will speed up customs procedures and reduce waiting time.