Ukraine
Answer ... Currently, international trade in Ukraine is suffering due to the ongoing war. Difficulties include:
- the absence of security;
- logistics challenges;
- limited availability of petrol;
- new occupied territories; and
- lack of access to seaports.
At the same time, Ukraine is continuing its process of close integration with the European Union, including the customs system. Recently, an authorised economic operator programme based on EU standards was launched in Ukraine. Also, common transit systems are being tested by Ukrainian companies and customs authorities.
On 15 August 2022, the Law of Ukraine Amending the Customs Code of Ukraine, implementing certain provisions of Section IV, Chapter 5 of the Association Agreement between Ukraine, the European Union, the European Atomic Energy Community and their member states, took effect. The long-awaited new law has aligned the Ukrainian customs legislation with the EU approach. From October, 2022 Ukraine became a member of the Convention on a Common Transit Procedure (NCTS) and to the Convention on the Simplification of Formalities in Trade in Goods.
We are also aware of work that is underway on the development of customs reforms in Ukraine in accordance with international best practice. Thus, after the war, we expect that increase in business and investment in Ukraine will increase, due to trade liberalisation and facilitation and effectiveness in the international trade arena.