IMF evaluates the reform of the Customs Service of Ukraine: what changes await at the border

Mission of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

The mission of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) evaluates Ukraine's progress in reforming the customs system, providing recommendations for further development. The meeting that took place in Vienna served as a platform for discussing the achievements of the State Customs Service of Ukraine.

According to information, the State Customs Service has implemented 40% of the 152 measures of the Reform Plan until 2030. Among the important steps in the reform are:

• Development of a Change Management Concept.
• Approval of a Personnel Management Strategy.

These initiatives contribute to creating conditions for effective internal audit work.

Moreover, the IMF provided recommendations regarding the review of customs clearance efficiency indicators, which could positively impact service quality. One of the key proposals is the development of a personnel rotation policy to combat corruption. This could become an important element in the system of preventing abuses at customs.

Need for a new Customs Code

The IMF also noted the need for the adoption of a new Customs Code of Ukraine, which will serve as the basis for further implementation of legislative and IT solutions in accordance with the standards of the European Union. These changes aim to improve the functioning of the customs service, which in turn should contribute to the growth of the country's economy.

The reform of Ukraine's customs system is an important component of the overall process of the country's integration into European standards. The implementation of the IMF's recommendations and the realization of planned measures can significantly enhance the effectiveness of customs operations, reduce corruption risks, and improve conditions for doing business. This, in turn, is expected to positively impact Ukraine's economic development and its international trade relations.