Business sees no progress in customs reform

02/ 09/ 2020

In the first half of 2020, the Customs Index amounts to 3.37 points on a 5-point scale according to the expert survey conducted by the European Business Association twice a year. Thus, the integrated index did not change conceptually, although it showed a slight deterioration compared to the previous period (3.39 points). View the presentation The results of the survey show that the EBA experts’ assessment of the work of customs authorities has remained conceptually unchanged over the last year. Thus, 56% believe that corruption in the customs remains at the same level (54% in the previous period), although 31% of respondents noticed a decrease in corrupt practices. The number of respondents who are satisfied with the quality of services and professionalism of customs officials has increased to 54%. The percentage of dissatisfied with the customs services also decreased and amounted to 10% of respondents. Whereas in the previous period those indicators amounted to 44% and 24% respectively. Traditionally, the experts gave the highest points to the Single Window system. The vast majority, namely 67% of respondents said that they were mostly or completely satisfied with the use of the Single Window, and only 7% were dissatisfied with the system. At the same time, companies point to the lack of coordinated cooperation between regulatory authorities and the low activity of customs in coordinating such interaction. Svitlana Mykhailovska. EBA Deputy Director Advocacy. The business has long been waiting for a systemic customs reform. Occasional improvements are not enough to talk about the positive dynamics of business interaction with customs authorities. All customs procedures should be simple, clear, and transparent, and the human intervention factor should be kept to a minimum. The business expects full automation of processes and the introduction of electronic services, which will reduce corruption risks and delay deadlines. We are also waiting for the appointment of the permanent head of the State Customs Service so that the administrative reform of the department can be completed. Currently, companies face the greatest difficulties in the State Service on Food Safety and Consumer Protection during the customs control. Particularly, experts complain about the complicated and lengthy procedure of phytosanitary and veterinary control, the cumbersome control of goods in wooden containers. The business has to submit paper documents in addition to electronic ones. Also, they are annoyed by numerous delays, disputes over the customs value of goods, and the need to. Thus, 39% of respondents reported that they currently have problems with adjusting the customs value. For the reference: The European Business Association has been carrying out the Customs index since 2010. The study consists of three thematic blocks: corruption, quality of customs services, work of the Single Window. The index is measured twice a year. The maximum score is 5 points, while 3 is considered neutral. In total, 61 customs experts participated in the survey during the period of January-June 2020. Be the first to learn about the latest EBA news with our Telegram-channel – EBAUkraine.

In the first half of 2020, the Customs Index amounts to 3.37 points on a 5-point scale according to the expert survey conducted by the European Business Association twice a year. Thus, the integrated index did not change conceptually, although it showed a slight deterioration compared to the previous period (3.39 points).

View the presentation

The results of the survey show that the EBA experts’ assessment of the work of customs authorities has remained conceptually unchanged over the last year. Thus, 56% believe that corruption in the customs remains at the same level (54% in the previous period), although 31% of respondents noticed a decrease in corrupt practices.

The number of respondents who are satisfied with the quality of services and professionalism of customs officials has increased to 54%. The percentage of dissatisfied with the customs services also decreased and amounted to 10% of respondents. Whereas in the previous period those indicators amounted to 44% and 24% respectively.

Traditionally, the experts gave the highest points to the “Single Window” system. The vast majority, namely 67% of respondents said that they were mostly or completely satisfied with the use of the “Single Window”, and only 7% were dissatisfied with the system. At the same time, companies point to the lack of coordinated cooperation between regulatory authorities and the low activity of customs in coordinating such interaction.

Svitlana Mykhailovska EBA Deputy Director Advocacy

The business has long been waiting for a systemic customs reform. Occasional improvements are not enough to talk about the positive dynamics of business interaction with customs authorities. All customs procedures should be simple, clear, and transparent, and the human intervention factor should be kept to a minimum. The business expects full automation of processes and the introduction of electronic services, which will reduce corruption risks and delay deadlines. We are also waiting for the appointment of the permanent head of the State Customs Service so that the administrative reform of the department can be completed.

Currently, companies face the greatest difficulties in the State Service on Food Safety and Consumer Protection during the customs control. Particularly, experts complain about the complicated and lengthy procedure of phytosanitary and veterinary control, the cumbersome control of goods in wooden containers. The business has to submit paper documents in addition to electronic ones. Also, they are annoyed by numerous delays, disputes over the customs value of goods, and the need to. Thus, 39% of respondents reported that they currently have problems with adjusting the customs value.

For the reference:

The European Business Association has been carrying out the Customs index since 2010.

The study consists of three thematic blocks: corruption, quality of customs services, work of the Single Window. The index is measured twice a year. The maximum score is 5 points, while 3 is considered neutral.

In total, 61 customs experts participated in the survey during the period of January-June 2020.

Be the first to learn about the latest EBA news with our Telegram-channel – EBAUkraine.