Why Ukraine needs a new Customs Code
Recently, the Verkhovna Rada adopted in the first reading an important European integration bill, No. 15450 — the new Customs Code of Ukraine
The new Customs Code of Ukraine, developed in line with the provisions of the EU Customs Code, will provide the legislative foundation for Ukraine’s customs administration to perform the functions expected of customs authorities in EU Member States.
The role of customs is about much more than collecting duties. Above all, it is about facilitating legitimate international trade. This requires fast, predictable and standardised customs procedures and processes across the EU Customs Union.
Here are the key things to know about the new Code:
- EU rules: harmonised EU customs procedures, terminology and practices;
- Digitalisation: less paperwork, reduced human intervention and lower corruption risks;
- Business support: more simplifications for compliant businesses, including Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs);
- Security: Ukraine’s customs service will become a reliable eastern border of the European Union.
“The need to reduce barriers to international trade and investment has transformed the role of customs authorities, giving them a key position in supply chains and international trade monitoring, and making them a catalyst for the competitiveness of countries and businesses. The customs legislation of EU Member States must reflect this new economic reality and the evolving role and mission of customs authorities. In the context of Ukraine’s preparations for EU accession, the new Customs Code of Ukraine is a fundamental building block for this process”, emphasised Vytenis Ališauskas, EU4PFM Key International Customs Expert.
The development of the draft new Customs Code of Ukraine took around two years. Fifteen expert teams were established, bringing together representatives of the Ministry of Finance, the State Customs Service, experts from the EU Public Finance Management Support Programme for Ukraine (EU4PFM), and the Reform Support Office of the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine. The EU Customs Code was translated by specialists from Association4U. Extensive consultations with the business community also took place through a Working Group bringing together representatives of 15 civil society organisations and business associations.
More information is available in the dedicated “Draft of the New Customs Code of Ukraine” section on the Ministry of Finance website:
https://www.mof.gov.ua/uk/draft_of_the_new_customs_code_of_ukraine-972?fbclid=IwY2xjawT6nspwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5gDiLX9cKlSlrF-ae8xnkMj358_42V7sbj2VzhYjNWypKDzRlMIJvw9EMoyA_aem_EiHqtnM3eu_p9e4_p62jOw