Cabinet approves new Customs Code in line with EU standards

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a draft of a new Customs Code, which is built according to European standards and is fully consistent with the customs legislation of the European Union. The government calls this decision one of the key steps on the path to Ukraine's accession to the EU.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko and the Ministry of Finance announced the adoption of the document. According to the head of government, the new code introduces customs rules unified with the European Union and adapts the Ukrainian system to the requirements of the European market.

Svyrydenko noted that the document provides for new approaches to customs procedures, a system of authorizations, guarantees, declaration of goods and mechanisms for exemption from customs duties. The government expects that this will make the customs sector more transparent and efficient.

According to the Prime Minister, for Ukrainian business, the new Customs Code will mean clearer and more predictable rules of operation. In addition, enterprises will be able to adapt more quickly to the requirements of the European market, simplify logistics processes and gain new opportunities for trade with EU member states.

At the same time, the government emphasizes that the continuity of all customs processes will be ensured for businesses and citizens. Current authorizations will remain valid, and the "single window" system will continue to operate in the usual mode without additional complications for users.

The Cabinet of Ministers emphasizes that the new Customs Code is of strategic importance for the negotiation process on Ukraine's membership in the European Union. The document is a key element in fulfilling the requirements of Chapter 29 "Customs Union" within the framework of negotiations on accession to the EU.

Minister of Finance of Ukraine Serhiy Marchenko noted that most of the provisions of the new code will be understandable for both business representatives and customs officers. According to him, this was facilitated by the many years of formation of the regulatory framework according to EU standards and the practical implementation of European procedures in the customs sphere.

The Ministry of Finance recalled that the work on the document lasted two years. The project was developed in close cooperation with the European Commission and Ukrainian business in order to maximally adapt the future rules to European requirements and at the same time take into account the needs of the national economy.

After approval by the government, the draft law on the new Customs Code must be considered and further adopted by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.