EBA meets with the newly appointed Head of the State Customs Service

14/ 05/ 2026

On 14 May, the European Business Association took part in the first meeting between business associations and the newly appointed Head of the State Customs Service of Ukraine, Orest Mandziy. The new Head of the Customs Service thanked the business community for maintaining an open dialogue and expressed confidence that joint efforts would enable a meaningful transformation of the customs authorities. According to Mr Mandziy, his goal is to effectively combine the fiscal and law enforcement functions of customs with a strong service-oriented approach. Among the priorities outlined by the new leadership of the State Customs Service are: restoring public and business trust through the implementation of best practices, as well as the re-certification of management and personnel; scaling up positive approaches in customs operations, including the use of modern customs control technologies and improved technical equipment at border crossing points, particularly in western and southern Ukraine; strengthening international cooperation, including jointly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the introduction of customs attachés and enhanced cooperation with the customs authorities of neighbouring countries; Ukraine’s participation in a unified sanctions policy aimed at counteracting the business activities of the aggressor state; improving internal information exchange and cooperation with state authorities. Particular attention during the meeting was devoted to the issue of granting law enforcement powers to the customs authorities, which is currently the subject of active discussion. In the view of Orest Mandziy, law enforcement status would allow customs authorities to operate more autonomously and apply their own expertise and experience more effectively in combating smuggling. At the same time, he expressed hope that a balanced and well-coordinated framework of cooperation with other law enforcement agencies would be achieved. Another important topic discussed was anti-corruption efforts. According to the Head of the Customs Service, a competitive level of remuneration is one of the elements in preventing illicit gains. Svitlana Mykhailovska, Deputy Director of the Association, congratulated Orest Mandziy on his appointment and emphasised the importance of continuing customs reform, particularly in the context of European integration. The business community expressed its readiness for constructive cooperation, the provision of expertise, and active participation in initiatives introduced by the new leadership of the State Customs Service. The prospect of strengthened cooperation between law enforcement agencies, the State Tax Service, the National Bank of Ukraine, and customs authorities raises expectations within the business community of tangible progress in reducing the shadow economy in Ukraine. At the same time, bona fide businesses should experience a more level competitive environment, while outdated and ineffective practices should have no place in the renewed institution. The European Business Association is grateful to Orest Mandziy and Vladyslav Suvorov for the open dialogue, commitment to productive communication, and focus on meaningful change.

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On 14 May, the European Business Association took part in the first meeting between business associations and the newly appointed Head of the State Customs Service of Ukraine, Orest Mandziy.

The new Head of the Customs Service thanked the business community for maintaining an open dialogue and expressed confidence that joint efforts would enable a meaningful transformation of the customs authorities. According to Mr Mandziy, his goal is to effectively combine the fiscal and law enforcement functions of customs with a strong service-oriented approach.

Among the priorities outlined by the new leadership of the State Customs Service are:

restoring public and business trust through the implementation of best practices, as well as the re-certification of management and personnel;
scaling up positive approaches in customs operations, including the use of modern customs control technologies and improved technical equipment at border crossing points, particularly in western and southern Ukraine;
strengthening international cooperation, including jointly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the introduction of customs attachés and enhanced cooperation with the customs authorities of neighbouring countries;
Ukraine’s participation in a unified sanctions policy aimed at counteracting the business activities of the aggressor state;
improving internal information exchange and cooperation with state authorities.

Particular attention during the meeting was devoted to the issue of granting law enforcement powers to the customs authorities, which is currently the subject of active discussion. In the view of Orest Mandziy, law enforcement status would allow customs authorities to operate more autonomously and apply their own expertise and experience more effectively in combating smuggling. At the same time, he expressed hope that a balanced and well-coordinated framework of cooperation with other law enforcement agencies would be achieved.

Another important topic discussed was anti-corruption efforts. According to the Head of the Customs Service, a competitive level of remuneration is one of the elements in preventing illicit gains.

Svitlana Mykhailovska, Deputy Director of the Association, congratulated Orest Mandziy on his appointment and emphasised the importance of continuing customs reform, particularly in the context of European integration.

The business community expressed its readiness for constructive cooperation, the provision of expertise, and active participation in initiatives introduced by the new leadership of the State Customs Service. The prospect of strengthened cooperation between law enforcement agencies, the State Tax Service, the National Bank of Ukraine, and customs authorities raises expectations within the business community of tangible progress in reducing the shadow economy in Ukraine. At the same time, bona fide businesses should experience a more level competitive environment, while outdated and ineffective practices should have no place in the renewed institution.

The European Business Association is grateful to Orest Mandziy and Vladyslav Suvorov for the open dialogue, commitment to productive communication, and focus on meaningful change.