European integration of the customs service: Ministry of Finance and the State Customs Service continue to work on the draft Customs Code jointly with the business community

The Ministry of Finance and the State Customs Service continue to work systematically with the business community on the draft of the new Customs Code of Ukraine. The goal is to harmonise the draft document with the customs law of the European Union.

A round table discussion entitled ‘Conceptual principles for integrating legal categories into the text of the draft new Customs Code of Ukraine, taking into account European integration requirements’ was recently held in the format of an expert dialogue, initiated by members of the working group for professional discussion of the document with representatives of the scientific and expert community.

The event brought together Olexandr Moskalenko, Director of the Customs Policy Department at the Ministry of Finance, Vladyslav Suvorov, Deputy Head of the State Customs Service, specialists from the Ministry of Finance and the State Customs Service, representatives of the working group for consultations on the draft of the new Customs Code of Ukraine, leading scientists and experts in the customs field, representatives of businesses, public organisations and business associations – a total of more than 50 participants.

The participants focused on the analysis and qualitative adaptation of key concepts, in particular ‘customs affairs’, ‘customs border’ and ‘state customs policy’, which form the basis of the entire document. The interpretation of these terms is important in order to avoid legal conflicts and harmonise legislation with EU law.

In this context, the possibility of implementing articles on the delegation of powers contained in the EU Customs Code into the national legal system was also discussed. The experts focused on national requirements and issues related to the adaptation of Ukrainian legislation to EU acquis.

Summing up the meeting, the participants stressed the importance of continued cooperation between government authorities, experts, academia and business in developing a modern Customs Code that will serve as the basis for Ukraine's effective integration into the EU customs area.

It should be recalled that in August, the Government approved the draft of the new Customs Code of Ukraine. The European Commission is currently evaluating it. At the same time, consultations with businesses are being held on a systematic basis.