New code and digitalization: large-scale modernization awaits the Customs Service
4 August 17:58
The European Commission has noted Ukraine’s progress in modernizing its customs system and recommended granting customs the status of a law enforcement agency. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to the State Customs Service of Ukraine.
In April 2025, a series of bilateral meetings were held in Brussels between the delegations of Ukraine and the European Commission as part of the official screening of legislation on Title 29 “Customs Union”. This section is part of Cluster 3 , Competitiveness and Inclusive Development, and is one of the most voluminous in the negotiation process on Ukraine’s EU membership.
Based on the results of the screening, the European Commission gave a positive assessment of Ukraine’s ability to implement and comply with the provisions of the EU legal system related to customs issues.
In particular, the EU noted that despite the difficult situation in the context of a full-scale war, limited resources and lack of staff, the State Customs Service of Ukraine demonstrates “very exceptional progress” towards harmonization with European standards.
Legislative harmonization: key achievements
The European Commission’s assessment shows significant progress in the process of harmonizing Ukraine’s customs legislation with EU law. The report notes that the implementation of the EU Customs Code is not at risk due to institutional weaknesses of the Ukrainian customs. On the contrary, Ukraine has demonstrated the ability not only to implement the legislation but also to ensure its compliance.
In particular, there is a high level of consistency in the following areas:
- registration of economic operators;
- granting the status of an authorized economic operator (AEO);
- customs representation;
- management of customs applications and decisions;
- application of appeal tools;
- combating offenses;
- collection of customs payments;
- risk management;
- control of customs value, classification and origin of goods;
- transit procedures and special customs regimes;
- protection of intellectual property rights.
Digitalization and IT integration as technical readiness to become part of the EU
Modernization of information systems has become one of the most important areas of reform. The European Commission positively assessed national measures to prepare for joining the EU’s digital customs environment.
In particular, Ukraine
- is actively implementing IT systems at the national level;
- adapts the architecture of customs services to the service-oriented model (SOA);
- interoperates with European digital systems in accordance with the European Customs Data Model (EUCDM).
These steps, according to the European Commission, are critical for further technical rapprochement with the EU.
Future plans: institutional reform and the status of the law enforcement agency
Given the increased powers of the customs authority as part of Ukraine’s future EU membership, the European Commission emphasized the need for not only technical but also institutional renewal of the State Customs Service. The main challenges in this context remain: limited budget funding, staff shortages, and the need for deep structural reforms.
The European Commission paid special attention to the issue of granting customs the status of a law enforcement agency. According to analysts, such a step would significantly enhance the functional capacity of the customs in the fight against smuggling, corruption and other violations. It is also seen as a prerequisite for achieving stable results in the long term.
Strategy for 2024-2030: a roadmap for change
Separately, the European Commission assessed the importance of implementing the National Revenue Strategy until 2030 and the State Customs Service Reform Plan for 2024-2030. These documents were recognized as key to ensuring that Ukraine’s customs system meets European standards.
The European side expects that the implementation of these strategies will ensure the sustainable integration of customs into the EU’s common customs area and contribute to the overall economic development of the country.
Currently, the European Commission recognizes Ukraine’s real achievements in customs reform, emphasizes its strategic importance for EU integration and calls for further strengthening of the institutional capacity of the customs service. The focus is on granting customs the status of a law enforcement agency and implementing a comprehensive reform program until 2030.
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