Government approves new Customs Code based on EU standards
Kyiv • UNN
The government has approved a draft Customs Code based on EU standards for accession to the union. The new rules will simplify logistics and customs procedures for businesses.
The government has approved the draft of a new European-style Customs Code and is submitting it to parliament, First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced on social media on Thursday, UNN reports.
The government has approved the draft of a new European-style Customs Code. This is one of the key steps for Ukraine's accession to the EU and the fulfillment of our obligations within the membership negotiation process,
According to her, the document "is fully aligned with the EU Customs Code and introduces customs rules uniform with the European Union."
These are new approaches to customs procedures, authorizations, guarantees, declarations, and duty exemptions, she added.
"For Ukrainian business, this means clearer and more predictable rules, faster adaptation to the European market, simplified logistics, and new opportunities for trade with EU member states. At the same time, continuity of processes is maintained for businesses and citizens: current authorizations will remain valid, and the 'single window' system will operate as usual," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
As the Ministry of Finance indicated, this project is key to fulfilling Chapter 29 "Customs Union" of the negotiation process for Ukraine's accession to the EU.
"The draft of the new Customs Code introduces customs rules and standards uniform with the EU and will contribute to transforming the Ukrainian customs into a European-style security border. Most provisions of the new Customs Code will be clear to both business and customs officers. This was facilitated by the long-term formation of the regulatory framework already in force today according to EU standards, as well as the practical implementation of European rules and procedures," commented Minister of Finance Serhiy Marchenko.
The project, as stated, was prepared over 2 years in a broad dialogue with the European Commission and Ukrainian business.
"Next, the bill awaits consideration in parliament," the Ministry of Finance noted.
Structure of the draft new Customs Code
Structurally, as reported by the State Customs Service, the project is built according to the logic of European customs legislation.
Chapters I–IX correspond to the structure of the EU Customs Code at the level of titles and chapters. Chapters X–XI implement the provisions of specific EU regulations. Chapters XII–XV cover national-level provisions, and Chapters XVI–XVII contain transitional provisions necessary for the system's functioning until Ukraine's accession to the EU. In total, the draft of the new Customs Code currently consists of 781 articles.
The main innovations and changes (compared to current legislation) consist of a complete transition to EU customs terminology, the introduction of a system of authorizations and customs procedures, and the provision of a European approach to decision-making, declarations, customs debt, guarantees, duty exemptions, etc.
To ensure the continuity of business processes, the new Customs Code, in particular, provides that indefinite authorizations remain valid, while fixed-term ones remain valid until their expiration or until the completion of relevant operations.
"These steps will help Ukrainian businesses engaged in foreign economic activity to adapt to the new rules in advance, optimize their logistical and production processes, and increase their competitiveness," the State Customs Service indicated.