Region

Belarus, Ukraine adjust customs information systems to EU transit system

MINSK, 30 December (BelTA) – The customs services of Belarus and Ukraine are adjusting their automated information systems to the New Computerized Transit System of the European Union (NCTS). These issues were high on the agenda of a meeting between chairman of the State Customs Committee of Belarus Alexander Shpilevsky and chairman of the State Customs Service of Ukraine Anatoly Makarenko in the Novaya Guta-Novyie Yarylovichi border crossing point on 29 December. The two sides considered the ways of enhancing the efficiency of the interaction between the central and regional customs bodies of the two sides. The sides agreed to coordinate the efforts of the customs services within the framework of the Eastern Partnership Programme. First of all, the Belarusian and Ukrainian services need to create the e-system of sharing preliminary information and also adjust the automated information systems to the NCTS system of the European Union. The sides discussed the appropriateness of attracting the EU funds for the construction and retrofitting of the crossing points on the Belarusian-Ukrainian border, preparation of joint projects to develop border facilities. The sides have confirmed the interest in participation of Belarusian and Ukrainian customs officers in the training seminars conducted at the expense of the European Union within the framework of the Integrated Borders Control Initiative. During the seminars, customs officers of both the countries study technologies of the nonintrusive customs examination which is based on scanning of goods and transport vehicles. The participants of the talks agreed to strengthen the cooperation in the fight against contraband and administrative offences. The implementation of the reached agreements will enhance the efficiency of the cooperation of central and regional customs services of both the countries, facilitate customs clearance procedures, boost the trade turnover via the customs border of Belarus and Ukraine.

БЕЛТА