“That day has come.” Zelensky signed the law on restarting the customs service

This is reported on the website of the parliament in the card of the corresponding draft law.

“This day has come. The law on customs reform has been signed. It comes into effect on November 1,” Yaroslav Zheleznyak, first deputy chairman of the Verkhovna Rada’s finance committee, wrote in Telegram.

The draft law provides for:

• reboot according to the BEB model agreed with international partners;
• a transparent competition for the position of the Chairman of the State Council with the participation of international organizations;
• political independence Voices of the State Council of Ukraine: dismissal based on the conclusion of the audit;
• re-certification of all employees within 18 months from the appointment of the new Chairman;
• half of the members of the attestation commissions for management positions are chosen by internationals based on proposals from the business community;
• salary increase at the level of the law.

Customs reform is one of the key ones “lighthouses” under the aid programs for Ukraine for 2024. It is foreseen by the reform plan under the Ukraine Facility instrument, the National Income Strategy for 2024−2030, as well as the IMF Extended Fund Facility program.

The first reading of the draft law took place in April 2023, the second – only in September 2024. The adopted law changes the rules for selecting the head of customs (there should be a transparent competition with the participation of international organizations), introduces audit, re-certification of customs officers within 18 months after the appointment of a new head and raising their salaries.

On September 17, 2024, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted draft law No. 6490-d, which amends the Customs Code regarding the establishment of specifics of service in customs authorities and certification of officials.