The digital age is steadily and fundamentally transforming the world and Ukraine. Our country’s government constantly emphasizes the need for digitalization of all areas of life and all government institutions as soon as possible. And, first of all, such an important state body as customs.

Ukraine’s integration into the EU customs area includes both the harmonization of our customs legislation and the approximation of customs practices to European standards. And it is the application of IT tools in the work of the State Customs Service that makes it possible to successfully implement these inextricably interconnected processes. Modern laws and modern procedures also require modern electronic tools.

The simplification of relations between customs and matters of foreign economic activity, which the President of Ukraine mentioned, contributes to minimizing the human factor. Accordingly, it reduces corruption, simplifies and accelerates customs control and accounting processes, and also increases the level of EU trust in Ukrainian customs services.

Only modern IT solutions make it possible to exchange large volumes of complex structured information, which is the basis of the EU customs system. One of the latest examples is the entry into force of the Ministry of Finance order No. 355 dated 29.06.23, which signals the next step in the practical implementation of European customs simplifications.

What are the main IT achievements of Ukrainian customs for 2022-2023?

one. Construction of a new mobile backup data processing center (DTC). The center was deployed and prepared to begin industrial operation; This indicates the strengthening of the capabilities of the State Customs Service to work effectively in the modern information environment and in the conditions of operation during a large-scale war.

2. Last year, the State Customs Service started working on the New Computerized Transit System (NCTS) by participating in the visa-free customs practice with European countries. Currently, transit transportation of goods is carried out within the framework of a single transit regime: from the customs office of departure in one country to the customs office of destination in another country, under a single transit declaration, under a single guarantee (such a guarantee is valid on the territory of all countries through which the goods are transported). This reduces the cost of customs procedures and the time required for transit, and therefore creates conditions for reducing queues at the border, which means a faster flow of goods. Today, the Customs Service of Ukraine is not only catching up with its European colleagues in this direction, but is also moving forward with them on the path to the transition to the new 5th version of NCTS. It provides for significant changes and optimization of processes and will be launched simultaneously by all participants of the Convention on the common transit regime from December 2023.

3. Today, Ukrainian companies that have proven the high reliability and quality of their work are actively obtaining the status of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO). And therefore, customs confidence and a number of important customs advantages and simplifications. This ensures the participation of Ukrainian AEOs in the formation of safe goods supply chains. AEO programs are currently implemented in 78 countries around the world, and are in the active implementation phase in 5 more countries. Therefore, the State Customs Service has initiated the process of creating a System for working with decisions of customs authorities (CDS.UA), which will help unify and automate the main processes of issuing relevant permits and authorizations by customs authorities. foreign economic activity.

The European information system “Customs Decision System” (CDS) was taken as an example. Business representatives will be able to make applications electronically for customs authorities to make decisions and see online how their applications are accepted and evaluated.

4. Another step towards EU customs standards has recently been taken; Enterprises authorized to implement the simplification of the “local release procedure” can carry out some of the customs formalities themselves. The implementation of such a European approach in the conduct of customs affairs is possible thanks to the improvement of the Automated Customs Clearance System (ACMS) of the State Customs Service.

5. The State Customs Service has also launched a new, fully electronic warranty management system (GMS) through which guarantors can electronically transfer, make changes and cancel any warranty in a paperless format.

6. Customs has launched a Telegram bot that helps receive notifications about the status of sent customs declarations (acceptance of processing, rejection of acceptance, processing, rejection of customs clearance, border crossing) and request information about the balance of funds in the United Treasury. Bill. However, it should be emphasized that there is no confidential information. can’t will be transmitted via this bot.

7. Tax and customs authorities granted each other access to their information bases; This makes it possible to immediately detect and prevent violations of legislation by taxpayers who import goods into the Ukrainian customs territory and subsequently sell them. We are talking about the fact that prices are often exaggerated many times during sales.

In general, the 2022-2023 customs projects portfolio includes:

● creation of a new Customs Administrations Unified Automated Information System (EAIS) and automated customs clearance system, central component (ASMO “Central”);

● Development of the departmental communication network of the State Customs Service;

● purchase of active network equipment for computer networks of customs authorities and their departments;

● creation of an automatic system for customs clearance of international postal and express shipments;

● creating conditions to ensure information security and cyber protection.

And for 2024-2026, the State Customs Service has developed a multi-year strategic plan for customs (MASP-C). It is a comprehensive review and reporting tool on key initiatives in the field of e-Customs. The document contains information on the IT strategy, comprehensive project documentation and a detailed program for their implementation. In other words, MASP-C fulfills a dual function: it creates a framework for the development of electronic customs systems and serves as a dynamic plan for the implementation of the systems necessary for successful European integration in the field of customs.

Digitalization of Ukrainian customs is an important trend of European integration, carried out in extreme conditions of a large-scale war. But the leadership of the State Customs Service, the Ministry of Finance, the Cabinet of Ukraine and our international partners (I would like to mention the EU4PFM program) have a clear awareness of the need to implement the IT reform of the State Customs Service. as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Only in this way will a solid basis be created, initially conceived and implemented, for the simplification and acceleration of customs procedures, the development of trade relations with the EU unified market, the rapprochement of Ukraine with the European Union and its further economic integration. as a customs union

Oleg Nikolaychukdeputy head of the State Customs Service of Ukraine on digital development, digital transformations and digitalization

* The author’s perspective may not coincide with the agency’s position