Ministry of Finance: Consultations begin on draft of new Customs Code of Ukraine

On 28 August, the Coordination Team of the Ministry of Finance and the State Customs Service held a meeting to present the draft of the new Customs Code of Ukraine to European Commission experts and discuss further steps for its evaluation by the EU and consultations with the business community.

“The draft of the new Customs Code of Ukraine, recently endorsed by the Government, has been sent to the European Commission for review. Developed based on EU customs legislation, it is a cornerstone for Ukraine’s EU integration, as the EU began with a Customs Union. Despite relentless attacks by russia, Ukraine, at the heart of Europe, is committed to EU membership and is taking all necessary steps. Amid geopolitical challenges, we recognise the immense potential of our customs service’s security role as Europe’s eastern border,” said Deputy Finance Minister for European Integration Yuriy Draganchuk.

Yuriy Draganchuk thanked the large team behind the draft and expressed hope for continued effective collaboration to refine it based on the Commission’s feedback, business discussions, and subsequent stages: government adoption and parliamentary approval.

On 26 August, the Cabinet of Ministers endorsed the draft via a protocol decision, developed over a year by Ministry and Customs Service experts with support from EU technical assistance projects.

“A crucial and complex first step is complete – the draft of a foundational document for conducting customs affairs in Ukraine fully aligned with European standards. We anticipate positive feedback from the Commission and are preparing for the next vital stages: public and business consultations and presentation to Parliament. In parallel, we will develop national IT solutions to integrate with EU systems, ensuring the IT component is ready when Parliament adopts the Code,” said Deputy Head of the State Customs Service Vladyslav Suvorov.

Adopting the new Customs Code will complete legislative alignment, establish transparent, modern rules for Ukrainian exporters and importers, and unlock new trade opportunities with EU countries. It is critical for aligning Ukrainian legislation with EU standards, essential for successful EU membership negotiations.

“We are ready to provide full support to finalise the draft of the new Customs Code of Ukraine, based on the EU Customs Code, including English translation and engaging European experts to explain its operations during Ministry and Customs Service communications with businesses. This document is fundamental for synchronising Ukraine’s customs system with the EU’s, essential for seamless operation within the European Customs Union,” said Vytenis Ališauskas, EU4PFM customs expert.

The meeting noted that many provisions of the new Code will not differ significantly from the current one, as numerous EU integration norms are already incorporated to accelerate customs alignment and ease the business transition. Changes have been actively implemented and discussed with businesses through professional meetings and seminars.

“The new Customs Code, based on the EU model, will provide the legislative foundation for all customs IT systems Ukraine must have upon EU accession. Our task is to develop and align all secondary legislation to ensure seamless and efficient customs procedures once the law takes effect. We rely on constructive business cooperation,” said Oleksandr Moskalenko, Director of the Ministry’s Customs Policy Department.

The Ministry will form a working group of up to 15 representatives from public associations and organisations focused on business rights and interests, active in improving Ukraine’s business environment over the past three years, to collaborate post-Commission evaluation.

Participants confirmed their commitment to continue working on the draft and secondary legislation, involving Ministry and Customs Service experts, the Ministry’s Reform Support Team, EU4PFM experts, and engaging in public discussions. Further details on consultation start dates will be announced.