Oleksiy Honcharuk: A new Customs Service should become the service the citizens and business will benefit from

Today the plans of development of the newly established Government authority such as the integration of the State Customs Service into the European customs community, the main directions of organizational, infrastructural and personnel changes have been showcased.

"I personally warn every bribetaker or smuggler that the time of schemes that you used to make a fortune has gone. What you did meant not plundering the customs, you were stealing medicines from pensioners, roads from motorists, medical equipment from children's hospitals. We will terminate that," Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk urged.

The Prime Minister reminded that the Government had approved an order to launch the New Customs Service at its previous meeting and that it triggered operation on December 8. In addition, the Head of Government noted that, the destroying of the old corruption-entwined "body", there's been legends about their activities, preceded the launching of the new body's operation. Apart from that, a number of preparatory steps were taken, such as:

First, more than 500 old leaders of various levels the activities of whom cast doubt will not be appointed to the new structure. The managerial staff of the central apparatus is to be refreshed by 80%, the chiefs of customs posts all across the country have been renewed by almost 40%.

Second, a decision was taken that the products that did not get customs clearance will be sold solely through open ProZorro electronic auctions. The proceeds will be transferred to the state budget.

Third, by the end of the week, 2 scanning systems to prevent smuggling should be launched at the checkpoints, with another 5 scanners be launched in 15 days.

"Ukraine needs a modern, transparent Customs Service working for the benefit of citizens. And Maxym Nefiodov's task is to ensure the New Customs Service complies with these requirements. We cannot allow losing time to drag feet. State budget revenue enforcement largely depends on Customs performance. I hope that business, citizens, the State - all of us will soon feel the benefits," said Oleksiy Honcharuk.