WASHINGTON: Ukraine and the US have signed a mutual customs assistance agreement to enhance cooperation between the customs administrations of both countries.
The agreement was signed on May 23 between Roman Nasirov, Chairman of Ukraine’s State Fiscal Service and Robert Kerlikowske of the US Customs and Border Protection.
Welcoming the agreement, Ukraine’s Prime Minister, Volodymyr Groysman, said: “We are absolutely committed to bringing order to the Ukrainian customs and we count much on [the US Government’s] support and assistance. We are resolute to introduce fast, open, clear, and high-quality reforms in this sphere.” Groysman stressed that the country’s customs service is today entwined with corruption, requiring effective changes.
Kerlikowske too noted the importance of the agreement stating that it provides the essential legal framework for exchanging information and evidence to assist the two countries in enforcing customs rules and regulations. He added that the agreement will enable both countries to collaborate on investigations, share best practices, and exchange information vital to the national and economic security.
“The Agreement signed today, is the evidence of our common goal – to achieve proper compliance with the law and facilitate effective trade between the two countries,” Kerlikowske said.
Ukraine has lately increased scrutiny of its customs clearance system. In January 2016, Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko asked the tax authority to examine all customs declarations released under the IM40EA procedure, to detect violations and system abuse by customs officers. Jaresko pointed out that the risk assessment systems are not perfect and sometimes enable customs officials to apply the simplified procedure to companies that actually do not have the right to enjoy this exemption.
The Finance Ministry is also launching an electronic, automated platform from August 1, 2016, to enable controlling bodies and customs offices to automatically exchange data on consignments passing Ukrainian borders.
