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Moldovan and Ukrainian authorities make first steps to implementation of an international customs
16:45 / 15.04.2011

ODESA, APRIL 15th, 2011, CONTEXT-PRICHERNOMORIE — Moldovan and Ukrainian authorities have made the first steps to implementation of an international customs, Context-Prichernomorie correspondent reports.

The agency has been informaed about it today, at the press office of the EU Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM).

According to their information, at a two-day round of tri-lateral meetings that completed its work at EUBAM HQ in Odesa today, the customs authorities of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine took their firsts steps towards implementation of a contemporary customs model that could revolutionize the way companies in both countries do business.

The ‘Authorized Economic Operators’ (AEO) concept is an international customs model endorsed by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and World Trade Organisation which seeks to refine the customs process, including promotion of trust and transparency and a reduction in trade restrictions and delays. It has already been introduced by many customs administrations around the world, with 161 of 176 WCO members either having already implemented or expressed their intention to implement the concept. The European Union implemented it in 2008.

The benefits arising from AEO certification were presented to customs officials from Moldova and Ukraine by Ms Tonka Kostadinova, Policy Officer of Risk Management and Security at the European Commission body, DG TAXUD. Additionally, Mr Tomasz Michalak, the Director of the Customs Policy Department at the Polish Ministry of Finance, outlined the Polish experience in introducing the AEO concept in Poland.

AEO certification would confer significant corporate credibility on businesses in Moldova and Ukraine, and provide a more transparent and efficient business environment in which to trade. Adoption of the AEO concept and corresponding ‘mutual recognition’ – customs authorities in different countries mutually recognising one another’s AEO status – would represent significant progress in the reform of customs practice in Moldova and Ukraine towards EU and international standards.

Essentially, AEO certified companies would benefit from a reduction in time-consuming customs procedures. The model would contribute to the goal of supply chain security, introduce clarity over legitimate trading practice, and encourage economic operators to modernize their business practices.

Much of this week’s presentations and discussions related to the precise set of standards required to achieve AEO certification. EUBAM, through its Post-Clearance Control and Audit Specialist, will support its customs partners in both Moldova and Ukraine as they develop the concept. The next step will involve the creation of working groups tasked to outline a vision and strategy for the implementation of the concept, bearing in mind also the framework of standards provided by the WCO

INFORMATION: The EU Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) was launched on 30 November 2005 at the joint request of the Presidents of the Republic Moldova and Ukraine. EUBAM is an EU mission fully funded by the European Union. It is an advisory, technical body. It has no executive powers. The Mission aims to make a sustainable contribution to the delivery of good quality border and customs services to the citizens and companies of Moldova and Ukraine to facilitate contacts and trade.