The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved the draft of a new Customs Code, developed based on European standards. This decision is one of the key steps on Ukraine’s path to EU membership and ensures the fulfillment of obligations under the integration negotiations.
This is reported by Finway
Main Innovations and Benefits for Business
The new code, as reported by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and the Ministry of Finance, is fully harmonized with the EU Customs Code and establishes uniform customs rules with EU countries. The document provides for modern approaches to customs procedures, authorizations, guarantees, declarations, and exemptions from customs duties.
“For Ukrainian businesses, this means clearer and more predictable rules, faster adaptation to the European market, simplified logistics, and new opportunities for trade with EU member states,” Svyrydenko wrote on Telegram.
Importantly, for businesses and citizens, the continuity of processes is maintained: existing authorizations remain valid, and the “single window” system will operate as usual, the head of the government emphasized.
Impact on Eurointegration and Next Steps
The introduction of the new Customs Code is crucial for the implementation of Chapter 29 “Customs Union” within the negotiation process regarding Ukraine’s accession to the EU. Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko noted that most provisions of the document are understandable for both entrepreneurs and customs service employees, as the regulatory framework has been formed according to EU standards for many years, and European rules and procedures are gradually being implemented in practice.
The draft code has been prepared over two years in close cooperation with the European Commission and representatives of the Ukrainian business community. At the next stage, the document will be considered by the Verkhovna Rada.