Mytnytcia. #95

THE STATE CUSTOMS SERVICE OF UKRAINE

№ 10 (95)

Visit of ukrainian customs officers to the

U.S. р. 6

p. 12

p. 18

p. 22

Practical steps for the implementation of Framework Strategy of Customs Cooperation

The Interpol opportunities help to control importation of cultural values in Ukraine

Technical arsenal of customs control is being diversified

contents

Read in the issue: 2

5 6 12 14

16 18 21

Executive’s Opinion

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Customs Officers together with Border Guards detected an illicit attempt to move more than RUR 15.5 million across the border

International Cooperation

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Technical arsenal of customs control is being diversified

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Customs checkpoint “Hoptivka”: how it was ...

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Main trends of foreign trade in commodities for 10 months in 2012

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Ukrainian Customs Officials and American businessmen talked about legal business and fair taxes

The customs openness to business environment is a powerful mechanism for economic development

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Ternopil region: let us build the future together!

Customs Statistics

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Congratulations to partners with elegant anniversary!

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To see the world with the customs officer’s eyes

The Interpol opportunities help to control importation of cultural values in Ukraine

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Main Directorate for Combating Organized Crime of the Ministry of Interior of Ukraine and the State Customs Service eliminated the cocaine trafficking channel

Legend of Kherson Customs Office celebrates his 90th anniversary

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Ukrainian Customs Labor Union celebrates its 20th anniversary!

Ihor Kaletnik: “Economic responsibility and tough sanctions are provided only for those who do not wish to pay taxes” Chairman of the State Customs Service Ihor Kaletnik attended the international exhibition “Customs Service —2012” in Moscow Chairman of the State Customs Service met with senior executives of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Practical steps for the implementation of Framework Strategy of Customs Cooperation Topical Information

Filling the State Budget in January-October of 2012 Anti - smuggling Operations

Customs Technologies

Reconstruction

Customs Statistics

Region

Customs History presented by Facts and Faces

Labor Trade

| МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012

“U

kraine is now at the critical stage of development. We have set an ambitious goal — to ensure sustainable economic growth due to structural reconstruction and its transition to innovative and investment development model.

The priority missions on the way towards the country’s system modernization shall be the implementation of the Economic Reforms Program. Among the main aspects of the Program is to improve the business and investment climate.

A sustainable economic growth will create conditions for the expansion of domestic demand, and then — for greater return on investment. At that the volume of raised capital is not just statistics. This is assessment given by investors to business climate of the country and the stability of the political situation therein.

The competitiveness of Ukraine will be also increased due to investment reform which has been launched last year and is a key element of the economic reforms comprehensive program. Its priorities are to reduce the government interference in business activities, simplify and improve the regulatory procedures.

There is a harmonization of national systems for technical regulations of industrial products and food quality control in accordance with European Union standards.

An important area towards investments is an international inter-regional cooperation. In this regard I would like to note the positive experience of such cooperation between Ukraine and Russian Federation.

In particular in this area there has been implementing the Program of interregional and cross-border cooperation between Ukraine and Russia for 2011-2016; there are four Euroregions consisting of nine regions for two countries; the system of sectorial and multifunctional clusters is being built along the border; traditional inter-regional economic forums under the auspices of presidents of both countries” are being also held. (a part of the speech at the Fifth International Investment Summit)

President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych

executive’s opinion

Ihor Kaletnik:

“Economic responsibility and tough sanctions are provided only for those who do not wish to pay taxes” Chairman of the Service gave an interview to “Rada” — Almost a year has elapsed starting from the day the President signed the “Law on the humanization of responsibility for commodity smuggling”.

What results have been brought by the smuggling decriminalization?

— We have analyzed and found that in 2011 the courts returned only 3 guilty verdicts about goods smuggling with real serving of sentences by way of imprisonment. This occurred taking into consid-

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In 2011 there were confiscated the goods amounting to 34 million, and the income received by the state in result of such confiscation made up just a little bit more than

UAH 3 million.

eration that in 2011 the Customs Service recorded over 220 goods smuggling cases and made inquiry thereunder.

The other 8 persons have got probation period. The punishment of 12 more persons was replaced by more lenient one.

Basically for last 3 years the Customs offices initiated nearly 600 criminal cases about goods smuggling amounting to UAH 1.7 billion, and there were returned only 19 guilty verdicts.

There were confiscated the goods amounting only to UAH 34 million, and over UAH 3 million were transferred to the state income.

So what did we have before? The state treasury was receiving the amounts disproportionate to the value of the crime objects and pecuniary damage caused to the state. At that the money from the budget has been spending in particular for the storage of seized goods. | МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012

executive’s opinion

The responsibility did not reach its final destination, i.e. the person having committed the crime.

Thus, we concluded that the decriminalization of commercial smuggling together with increased administrative responsibility will become more effective tool to combat the illegal goods trafficking.

This innovation has also resulted in saving of time, money and human resources while fulfilling administrative procedures.

Previously the customs inquiry officers were carrying out an enormous procedural work. The materials after the customs inquiry were transferred to the investigating authorities. The investigation has been lasting at least during 2 months. In fact during years.

More than 600 closed criminal cases amounting to UAH 1.6 billion were received from the investigating authorities after decriminalization. At that the court has sentenced on the confiscation of the offense objects amounting to over UAH 800 million. This means that closed criminal cases, in principle, could be brought to their logical conclusion.

Now we have a simple and rapid procedure. The offense is recorded, and after all proceedings is immediately transmitted to the court. In its turn, the court has only 15 days for adjudication.

In addition the delays for administrative penalties imposition is limited by 3-months (from December 1 it will make 6 months).

— The most of all confiscated goods are assessed by the customs office.

The more expensive smuggled goods are, the bigger is the penalty. Does not it encourage the customs officers to overstate the monetary penalties for an offense?

— The value of the offense objects is determined by a person specially authorized by the customs authorities and having special knowledge and professional background. A customs officer drawing up the protocol has no right to determine the goods value.

There is no sense in the value overstating, since in case of overstating the enforcement service will have problems to sell unnecessarily expensive goods.

And then all the work done will become naught. The state will not receive anything to the budget from the confiscated goods sales and besides it will have to bear the costs for these products storage.

— How transparently is being implemented the system of funds receipt in the form of penalties for smuggling?

— This system was not transparent for many years. This procedure does not allow the authorities of the state enМИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012 |

forcement service and customs authorities to effectively perform their duties.

In particular at the beginning of 2012 the State Enforcement Service had the goods amounting to UAH 290 million.

During 9 months the customs offices have transferred the goods amounting to UAH 260 million (all cases).

The State Enforcement Service has disposed of UAH 210 million from these funds.

Chairman of the State Customs Service Ihor Kaletnik: “decriminalization of commodity smuggling together with increased administrative responsibility will become more effective tool to combat illegal traffic of goods”.

Among them: • there were destroyed the goods amounting to UAH 40 million – these are the goods which cannot be imported to Ukraine since they can injure the citizens health; • there were transferred on a free of charge basis the goods amounting to UAH 13 million – this concerns the transfer of property to individual recipients of the state aid (penal institutions, orphanages); • there were returned the goods amounting to UAH 8 million; • there was done the markdown of goods amounting to UAH 137 million.

Standards of previous version of the Customs Code contained imperfect system of goods evaluation. In particular the estimated goods were imposed with duties and taxes and in result the goods became illiquid.

The new version includes a single assessment procedure according to the market value. In fact, the goods were evaluated once at the market prices when the protocol is drawing up (the examination within proceedings may be an exception).

This allows to quickly sell out the goods.

cal products (about 8%) has not been changed as well.

In general during 9 months of the year almost 1.5 thousand attempts of illegal movement of medicines amounting to UAH 17.8 million have been blocked.

This year there were imported nearly 30 tons of medicines amounting to USD 2 billion. Taking into consideration that medicines are exempt from taxes, and the final selling price is formed on the basis of customs value + fixed margin, some unscrupulous entities try to expressly overstate the customs value in order to receive surplus profit on domestic market, without paying a kopeck to the budget.

Therefore the Customs Service jointly with the Ministry of Health, the relevant Parliament’s Committee and State Medical Inspection take measures to prevent such incidents.

Another important aspect for Customs Service is to combat the counterfeit goods trafficking.

This is the same challenge for customs services as the import of smuggled goods. However the business, namely the holders of rights should be actively involved into this process.

Only in 2012 there were recorded over 900 cases of customs clearance suspension on the suspected violation of the intellectual property rights.

The State Customs Service of Ukraine has paid a particular attention in 2012 to actions aimed to protect the UEFA in-

— Which goods are mainly attempted to be illegally moved?

— If we are talking about the cases which according to the previous law were regarded as criminal acts (i.e., the value of which exceeds UAH 536.5 thousand) then the range of goods is stable for several years already.

About 50% of such goods represent the cases related to illegal movement of industrial group goods. About 10% — food products. The share of cases related to the illegal movement of vehicles (16%), as well as medicines and medi-

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executive’s opinion

Almost 8 tons of goods containing the counterfeit signs were detected in the ports of Odessa and Illichivsk.

tor. The relevant amendments have been done to the Law of Ukraine “On the operational and investigation activities.” These rules concerning the customs authorities shall take effect in November 2013.

Currently, there is some preparation of a number of regulations which will detail the procedure for such activities.

— During the first half of 2012 the State Customs Service has transferred UAH 60 billion to the budget. If this trend will be kept for the second half of the year, the revenues would amount to a third part of the state budget. Did such financial investments become possible due to the import’s unshadowing?

tellectual property rights (“EURO 2012” trademark). And only since the beginning of 2012 there were detected about 1.3 million units of goods with illegal use of UEFA’s symbols.

In addition in Odessa and Illichivsk ports there were found almost 8 tons of goods containing the counterfeit signs.

A very important is that not only international brands are faked but also the Ukrainian ones. In particular in September of this year in Yevpatoria port among the cargo arrived from Turkey, there was found 8 tons of knitwear having the label of well-known Ukrainian producers.

— How active and constructive is the dialogue between SCSU and Verkhovna Rada? Is the legislative base in Ukraine adequately sufficient to enable the customs service working effectively?

— The effective interaction with Verkhovna Rada began from the active participation of the State Customs Service in the preparation of the draft of the Tax Code of Ukraine.

In result the issues regulating the order of administration of the value added tax, excise tax, payment of tax liabilities were merged into a single regulatory document.

It should be noted that the State

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Customs Service took an open position as for public discussion of tax rules, problems with their application. This is evidenced by numerous meetings with business and public representatives.

The continuation of cooperation with Verkhovna Rada has become the preparation of new Customs Code of Ukraine — an important step aimed to simplify the customs procedures and improve the efficiency of tax administration.

The main thing we were aspiring (and the practice shows that we reached) — is the fact that implemented legislative changes have reduced the time of goods customs clearance and business entities expenses.

At the same time the practice of application of tax and customs legislation shows certain aspects which require some regulation even now. Due to this the State Customs Service has prepared a number of legislative initiatives.

There are some new functions in the area of customs authorities’ law enforcement activity.

So according to the new Criminal Procedure Code the authorities of the State Customs Service of Ukraine are referred to the operational units carrying out investigative (detective) actions and non-public investigative (detective) actions on the instruction of the investigator, prosecu-

— The revenues make up over a third part of the state budget. And this figure is relatively stable for several years.

At the end of October the budget has received almost UAH 103 billion. This is by 10% or UAH 9.5 billion more than in the same period of last year. But filling the State Budget is not for us an end in itself The entrepreneur must see that it is not only safer, but also much more profitable to work legally. Therefore from our side we are trying to build clear and understandable rules for “legal business”. On the one hand they consist in filling the budget, on the other — to ensure the civility of external activities.

At the same time we continue to strengthen the fight against “illegal” import. The Customs Service uses a new approach in the relationship between the customs service and the business under the principle “Legal business — fair taxes” – we called so the Service’s development strategy for 2013.

Olena Mochalova-Kolesnyk,

Press Office State Customs Service of Ukraine

To date more than 3.5 thousand customs offenses have been documented according to so-called “decriminalized articles” amounting to UAH 296.4 million.

More than 3,000 cases of this category amounting to UAH 234.1 million have been submitted to the court.

The courts have imposed already the sanctions amounting to over UAH 140 million (penalties amounting to UAH 57 million, confiscation of goods amounting to UAH 73 million, vehicles amounting to UAH 12.6 million).

UAH 8.5 million has been transferred to the budget from the sale of confiscated goods and penalties paid thereon.

Since the criminal liability was abolished a number of criminal cases were closed. It was necessary to resolve the question of bringing to administrative responsibility based on the facts recorded before the said law took effect.

The Customs Service transferred the most of these materials to the courts. And to date the courts have taken judgments on the confiscation of the offense objects amounting to over UAH 800 million. UAH 40 million has been collected to the budget under these cases.

| МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012

international cooperation

Chairman of the State Customs Service Ihor Kaletnik attended the international exhibition “Customs Service — 2012” in Moscow

Annual International Exhibition “Customs Service” has got the format of serious forum of customs services from the CIS countries, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. It has become a platform not only for the exchange of experience and familiarization with innovations, but also to discuss the topical issues of international and regional customs cooperation.

I

n the address to the exhibition participants during its opening the Chairman of the State Customs Service of Ukraine noted that during last two and a half years many things have been done for the development of relations between Ukraine and Russia in the customs area.

“Customs services of both countries proved to be able to work on the global standards level. Considerable results have been achieved due to this fact.

In particular the simplification and speeding-up of customs procedures have resulted to the turnover increas-

ing. During 9 months of 2012 the volume of common trade between Ukraine and Russia reached USD 33.5 billion.

At the same time the achieved results indicate the availability of non-used potential for economic cooperation”, — Ihor Kaletnik said.

Ukrainian customs officers share their experience on the great sports event hosting with Russian colleagues

Nowadays the customs services of both countries actively use the system

Ihor Kaletnik: “The mission of Ukrainian and Russian customs authorities is to use the new cooperation mechanisms in order to implement all possibilities to increase the foreign trade volume of both countries and to deepen the economic relations” МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012 |

During last two and a half years many things have been done for the development of relations between Ukraine and Russia in the customs area.

of risk analysis and management, implement the program of customs information systems modernization, master advanced technologies for customs inspection. Accordingly the border crossing is being simplified and speed-up.

Representatives of the Russian mass media also got interested in the possibility to use the experience of Ukrainian and Polish colleagues on the peculiarities of the customs control during EURO 2012 by Russian customs officials during 2014 Winter Olympics and 2018 Football World Championship.

Olena Mochalova-Kolesnyk,

Press Office State Customs Service of Ukraine

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international cooperation

Chairman of the State Customs Service met with senior executives of U.S. Customs and Border Protection In Washington the Chairman of the State Customs Service Ihor Kaletnik met with David Aguilar, Acting Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency.

T

he delegation of the State Customs Service of Ukraine headed

by Ihor Kaletnik, Chairman of the Service made an inception visit to the United States of America from November 5th till November 9th 2012.

In Washington the Chairman of the State Customs Service of Ukraine Ihor Kaletnik met with David Aguilar, Acting Commissioner of U.S. Customs and

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Border Protection (CBP). The parties decided to speed up the process aimed to the conclusion of agreement on mutual administrative assistance in customs area between the governments of Ukraine and the United States. The agreement will determine the procedure for the exchange of information which will enable to successfully investigate customs offenses.

The State Customs Service of Ukraine efficiently cooperates with Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). An attention-getting example of this cooperation is an unprecedented seizure of nearly 2 tons of cocaine in 2010 during joint operation of the Security Service of Ukraine, Customs Service of Ukraine and U.S. DEA in commercial seaports of Odessa region. | МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012

international cooperation

The Services are interested in obtaining immediate proactive information regarding the illicit traffic of drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues and precursors as well as data on significant seizures of drugs.

There was taken decision to prepare and sign a Joint Statement on Cooperation between the State Customs Service of Ukraine and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration through DEA Office in Warsaw.

In addition Ihor Kaletnik thanked to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for provided technical assistance and proposed to exchange experiences and best practices on a regular basis.

In particular he proposed to arrange meetings at expert level.

David Aguilar said in his turn that it is important for our experts to share not only successful experience but also some unsuccessful one in order not to repeat others’ mistakes.

In general the leaders of services shared opinion that the functions of customs authorities both in Ukraine and the U.S. generally coincide since the challenges that our countries face coincide too.

Meanwhile U.S. customs is more focused on combating terrorism, smuggling of weapons, drugs and currency.

And Ukrainian Customs Service is more focused on fiscal aspects but fighting against illicit traffic of drugs and firearms are also priority tasks.

Customs unit in the port of Baltimore, Maryland

As informed by officer Ricardo Scheller, Baltimore Port Director, in general about 700 thousand of importers and 200 thousand of exporters are involved in foreign trade in the United States.

There is “Importer Self-Assessment” program acting in the United States.

After completing a number of customs requirements, and providing access to certain categories of information, the importer receives some confidence from the Customs Office and respectively it receives an opportunity to use

simplifications during customs clearance procedures. Such status has an analogue in Ukraine and Europe by its criteria — this is an authorized economic operator. As for today according to officer Scheller 250 American companies have such status.

Delegation of the State Customs Service has also directly acquainted with customs activity in the port.

The premises of customs unit located directly in the port are small and equipped “in Spartan” way. There is just everything you need. The propaganda posters with slogans like “Somebody’s watching you ... and your weapon!” cover the walls. The most successful domestic analogue is: “Comrade, take care about your weapon! The enemy’s hand is trying to catch it”.

“24 hours prior to loading in the port of departure an exporter should provide the U.S. customs authorities in electronic way with information about the goods”, — officer Newton said. “This information is carefully analyzed as for detecting the risks of one or another transaction, and the authorities determine the volume of procedures to be applied to the goods (scanning, physical inspection, etc.).

Thus the Customs Service can bring into focus only high risk operations and not spend time to make control over absolutely legal deliveries. Based on the results of risk analysis system the goods can be recognized even as such which cannot be loaded on a ship in the port of departure, since it will not be accepted in the United States”.

Delegation of the State Customs Service noted that the “order” delivery (when there is no importer and the delivery is to bearer) in not applied in the U.S. The U.S. Customs should have all information about the chain of supply, in particular regarding the importer, its location, the payments for imported goods and more.

Customs and Border Protection is one of agencies which is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which includes other 21 agencies.

CBP is responsible for protecting the state borders, and also facilitating legitimate trade and tourism. CBP is the largest law enforcement agency in the United States by number of employees — more than 58,000 employees, including officers and agents, agricultural experts, aircraft pilots, trade specialists, support mission staff and dog handlers.

МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012 |

The above experience was highly appreciated by Ukrainian delegation.

Chairman of the State Customs Service Ihor Kaletnik gave relevant instructions regarding implementation of certain elements in the activity of customs authorities in Ukraine.

Canine Center, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in Front Royal, Virginia Port of Baltimore occupies 11th place among 360 U.S. ports by total value of cargos and 12th place — by weight. The average annual turnover in 2011 is more than 45 million tons / year. In 2011 the number of accepted commercial ships amounted to 2.6 thousand.

Container turnover in 2011 made up 186.9 thousand containers (+8.5%)

American colleagues presented the activity of Canine Center. According to Timothy Splitter, training process supervisor, the U.S. customs authorities have almost 1,800 dogs to date.

Another canine center of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection is located in El Paso, Texas.

There is the only system of dogs training for the purposes of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The dogs are trained to detect: • drugs; • weapons and ammunition; • illegal immigrants; • dead bodies; • food and agricultural products.

The agency may be conditionally divided into 2 parts: Field operations unit performing functions of customs and passport control at the checkpoints and customs control area and Border patrol unit performing its activity beyond checkpoints. The Agency’s budget is $ 12 billion a year. While the U.S. customs authorities provided the revenues to the federal budget amounting to about $ 30 billion (less than 1% of total revenues which are almost $ 4 trillion).

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international cooperation

The U.S. Customs has no its own nursery and buys dogs exclusively in Europe, as the dogs from the Old World have better gene pool and are better adapted to the customs purposes.

The officer Splitter also demonstrated training sites where the dogs are being trained and other infrastructure of canine center.

In its turn the delegation of the State Customs Service got American colleagues interested in its experience as for dogs training to search tobacco products.

They discussed the question of further development of cooperation between both Services as for dog training support to customs authorities and exchange of experience at the level of dog handlers.

Ukrainian delegation also visited the Global Borders College.

Instructor Anthony Skahill informed about tactical training directions of U.S. customs officials.

In general the training takes place in such areas as the use of physical force, special facilities, firearms and methods of crowd control.

Instructor Skahill demonstrated gyms to practice techniques of judo, jiu-jitsu and wrestling (free-style wrestling). In addition there were shown special facilities the customs officers may carry (tear gas, handcuffs, telescopic baton and electric shock).

Furthermore during special operations there may be used the enhanced action tear gas launchers. Almost all officers of the U.S. Customs Service have weapon while performing their duties.

Moreover regardless of the unit the weapon is used not only by officers of the anti-smuggling department, but also the officers carrying out passport control, customs clearance of goods, analytical support, and dog handlers.

Every 3 months the U.S. customs officers pass a firearm shooting test.

Instructor Skahill demonstrated the prototypes used by inspectors (pistols — Glock, Heckler & Koch and automatic rifles Remington) as well as training methods.

Dulles International Airport

“85% of customs declarations are submitted in electronic form” — the supervisor Martinez, chief of the customs department at the cargo terminal of the “Dulles” International Airport in Washington said.

“Some brokers still bring pa per documents, but this is their own choice”, — he said.

Delegation of the State Customs Service has been demonstrated an Automated Targeting System — American example of risk management system.

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Dogs are trained to detect: • drugs; • weapons and ammunition; • illegal immigrants; • dead bodies; • food and agricultural products.

Based on risk profile the computer shall determine the goods subject to in-depth control, and the volume of procedures to be performed. Also the officer Jami reproduced the technology of passengers’ customs and passport control.

The United States try to bring the security control outside the state.

Customs Service authorizes airlines in Europe and some Asian countries to conduct primary control of passengers before their boarding. In addition, CBP officers make regular trips to the airports of London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Tokyo to provide methodological assistance. Thus they have access to all U.S. databases required for effective control”.

Moreover, Automated Targeting System (ATS) is applicable not only to goods, but also to individuals.

Washington Dulles International Airport named after John Foster Dulles is located in Dulles, Virginia.

Passenger traffic in 2011 made up 23 million persons.

Airport capacity is 2,400 passengers per 1 hour.

Aircrafts capacity is from 1,000 to 1,200 flights per 24 hours.

Cargo turnover in 2011 made up 667.4 million pounds (302.7 thousand tons).

| МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012

international cooperation

Every 3 months the U.S.

customs officers pass a firearm shooting test.

Advanced Training Center at the Global Borders College is an important part of the Agency’s strategic program development.

The construction of College building was completed in 2011.

The building area of 60 thousand square foot consists of 6 modern training rooms and breakout rooms with audiovisual facilities which are easily adjusted, and a computer lab, several conference rooms and more than 80 staff offices.

МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012 |

Thus, the customs officer may determine the risk caused by entry of one or another individual and the ability to import some prohibited items by such individual or his/her connection to terrorist organizations.

There is no “green” and “red” channels system in the United States. The written declaration is mandatory.

However the person who speaks English will need not more than 5 minutes to fill in declaration. The passenger fills in the customs declaration (a so called Form 94) in the plane that is very convenient.

During the passport control the individuals submit the customs declaration together with passport where the inspector makes a stamp. Then such individual goes to the hall and takes his/her luggage. Hereafter the people go to the secondary control. Dog teams work while individuals are waiting for their turn in the hall. In case the dog detects something the individual should go into a separate room for luggage inspection.

During the secondary control the customs inspector having access to the database may send an individual to pass in-depth control. The room for in-depth control has several desks with places for customs inspectors and technical control facilities – X-ray control.

The persons are called to the relevant desk, requested to submit documents and customs declaration. Once a passenger put his/her luggage on a special table, he/she has no right to touch it. In case of prohibited items, such as food, they are seized and destroyed.

In case of contraband (drugs, weapons and currency) the person concerned is detained (there are two pre-trial rooms at the in-depth control premise), and thereafter the prosecution procedure shall start. In addition to the fact that this procedure threatens by prison sentence, the litigations in the U.S. are rather costly affair. A suspected person must have an attorney, and this will cost about $ 400 once.

In nothing prohibited is found in the baggage the customs officer will apologize for the inconveniences (!!!) and will obligatory smile.

Two-step customs control allows effectively fighting against smuggling attempts. In general, as was said by officer Jami in Dulles airport the customs officers annually detect about 400 kilograms of cocaine, as well as a significant number of persons involved in relations with terrorists.

Laredo Checkpoint

Laredo is a small town in Texas on the border with Mexico (the population is about 200 thousand people).

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international cooperation

The Laredo checkpoint is the largest one on the Mexican border. It has 8 crossings points, in particular separately for passenger vehicles and trucks, railway transport, pedestrian crossing and international airport. Since the border goes along the Rio Grande river, the crossing

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points are interconnected by bridges.

“The carriers pay the fee for the use of bridges, and these fees go to the budget of Laredo. Each year the municipal government receives about $ 40 million”, — Director of field operations, Maj. Gene Garza said. The bridge “Lincoln-Juarez”

is daily crossed by 10,000 passenger cars and 110 buses.

Each traffic lane at the border crossing point is equipped with surveillance cameras and devices for car number read-out.

Almost every car is equipped with transponder in the form of electronic

| МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012

international cooperation

chip where all date about the driver and his photo is recorded. While approaching to the site of passport and customs control the device reads out all data which appear on the inspector’s computer screen and automatically integrated into the border crossing database.

After this the inspector may take decision to make examination (to be carried out by another inspector) or about necessity to scan.

Buses are subject to scanning in 100% cases. Passengers take their stuff i go to in-depth inspection. Suitcases are scanned and the inspector decides which ones should be inspected. “The traffic is very intense. And the offenders rely upon.

Drugs: cocaine, heroin and marijuana are basically attempted to be moved in. And the currency and weapons – to be moved out”, — Major General Sidney Aki said.

“Every year we seize about 30 tons of marijuana and nearly 1 ton of cocaine as well as up to $ 5 million currency” — he continued.

Goods amounting to almost $ 100 billion are imported in the U.S. through Laredo. Every day the «World trade bridge» is crossed by 5,400 trucks. 10% of them carry goods owned by authorized economic operators, and thus they make use of some privileges. The border crossing procedure for them takes about

20 minutes. They take a separate lane.

For all others it takes 50 minutes, provided no additional forms of control are used. 30 minutes before the truck enters checkpoint the declarant must submit documents for goods in an electronic way. Others must do the same no less than 1 hour before. Due to transponder the information about the carrier and the driver is transmitted to the computer of inspector sitting in a special booth and performing all actions without leaving this booth. After the identifying documents are checked against data specified in computer the inspector shall confirm it in the computer.

Hereafter the driver submits 2 printouts through a window containing a special code. The customs inspector integrates this code into computer and the electronic manifest and declaration appears on the screen.

The risks system immediately indicates the actions to be performed by the customs officer. If the risks did not “light up” inspector can decide himself. In particular to send the vehicle for scanning.

Such decision is called “Random control”, and the customs officer takes it on totally legitimate basis. In-depth inspection is undergone by about 22% of cargo. It is not possible just to leave the checkpoint if the decision to make scan-

Chairman of the State Customs Service of Ukraine Ihor Kaletnik: “Customs Service of Ukraine is being dynamically developed today. And the experience gained during the visit to the United States will be used during the implementation of further reforms of the customs system”.

МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012 |

In-depth inspection is undergone by about

22% of cargos.

It is not possible just to leave the checkpoint if the decision to make scanning is taken.

ning is taken. Computer system will not release the vehicle from the checkpoint.

Scanning takes not more than 7 minutes. After this there will be taken decision about necessity to make inspection with unloading.

A day before the Ukrainian delegation arrival the U.S. customs officials detected 40 kilograms of cocaine in the cargo with furniture and this is due to the scanner.

More than 50% of all railway transportation to / from Mexico passes through Laredo checkpoint. Each day the railway bridge is crossed by 10 trains.

Train is a standard unit which means 100 railway freight cars.

The train stops at the checkpoint.

Customs officers examine the drivers cab and other facilities. The train moves on after inspection. A “frame” is installed opposite to the checkpoint. 100% of all trains are scanned. The picture of each car appears on the customs office’s screen. In case of any suspicious objects Mexican customs officers shall be informed about through instant communication means. There is no possibility to return the train or to detach a car as there is only one railroad.

The locomotive stops in the middle of the bridge and American drivers go out and return on foot. Next is the territory of Mexico and any activity on the territory of a neighboring country without special permission is prohibited by mutual agreement between the U.S. and Mexico. A moment later the train is driven by Mexican railmen.

Andriy Savarets

Head of Department charged with Support to the Service Chairman Activity

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international cooperation

Practical steps for the implementation

of Framework Strategy of Customs Cooperation The State Customs Service of Ukraine held a joint meeting of the Subcommittee no. 5 “Customs and Cross-border Cooperation” of the Committee on Cooperation between Ukraine and the European Community, opened by co-chairs Ihor Timofeev and Antonis Kastrissianakis.

“W

ithin the cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union the priorities of the Framework Strategy of Customs Cooperation approved and formalized in June of this year are very important for the State Customs Service”, — Ihor Timofeev said.

The Customs Service is being reformed in accordance with European standards

During the meeting the representatives of the State Customs Service have presented recent events having occurred in the customs policy of Ukraine and results achieved for today including due to cooperation with European colleagues.

During the meeting there has been summarized the high-level Seminar on customs cooperation on the EU’s eastern border “Breaking Barriers” held in Kiev on October 11 of this year with participa-

12

tion of customs services’ chairmen from the European Union, countries candidate for accession to the EU and neighboring countries. In particular the participants emphasized that this Seminar was important in terms of efficient and meaningful political dialogue which currently carried between Ukraine and the European Union, and admitted the high level of activities.

The State Customs Service is in the process of reforming and the basic provisions of the Service’s Reforming Concept “Facing the People” are incorporated in the Customs Code of Ukraine.

The priority for the Service shall be support to legal business and creating favorable conditions for business. All this has formed the basis of the Service’s Development Concept for 2013 “Legal business — fair taxes”, presented by the Chairman of the Service.

The information and clarification activity plays a very important role towards

the Service’s reforming. For this purpose the State Customs Service of Ukraine carries out an active work with business, associations and sectorial associations both domestic and international ones. A significant role in this process is played by the Public Council being not only the authority representing the public interests, but also one of the instruments of control over the Customs Service’s activities.

One of the priorities for cooperation of customs administrations between Ukraine and EU countries is the information exchange. And setting-up the exchange of information about the goods crossing the customs border is crucial.

First of all this will facilitate the further development and comprehensive use of the risk analysis system fixed on the legislative level by the Customs Code and actively used during the customs control and customs clearance of goods.

A considerable attention has been | МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012

international cooperation

Efficiency of customs cooperation between Ukraine and EU has been clearly demonstrated during EURO 2012. Due to cooperation particularly with Customs Administration of Poland during the championship, a high quality and efficiency of customs procedures was ensured at the common border.

given to information exchange in terms of cooperation deepening in the fight against customs offenses. At present the main mechanism for such cooperation is the information exchange on request; significant results have been achieved due to this mechanism. Based on the responses received in result of cooperation with EU member states, the customs authorities of Ukraine documented 680 administrative offenses related to the illegal movement of goods amounting to EUR 18 million (30% of the total value of offense objects).

Cooperation between the Customs and the Business is constructive one

The participants admitted a positive dynamics of common activity to solve problems arising at the representatives of the European and global business. These results were achieved МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012 |

due to the establishment of constructive cooperation between the State Customs Service and the business.

Common activity carried out by the Customs Service with joint business, particularly with European Business Association, American Chamber of Commerce and representatives of foreign enterprises in cooperation with embassies, leads to practical solutions of problems arisen at the business entities during their foreign trade. For example only for last two years the State Customs Service of Ukraine held 10 meetings with European Business Association. This level of cooperation allows the Service to obtain first-hand information, to determine the future direction of development and reforming, and to take specific actions to solve existing problems.

The efficiency of customs cooperation between Ukraine and the EU was

demonstrated during EURO 2012. Due to cooperation in particular with Customs Administration of Poland a high quality and efficiency of customs procedures on the common border during the championship was ensured.

It should be reminded that just before the Subcommittee’s meeting there was held the first meeting of the Working Group on the implementation of the Framework Strategy of Customs Cooperation. Members to the working group discussed proposals as for implementation of the Strategy and agreed the Action Plan for 2012 — 2014. Except the Strategy implementation the main task for the working group shall be also to monitor its implementation.

Kateryna Voronkova,

Press Office, State Customs Service of Ukraine

13

topical information

Ukrainian Customs Officials and American businessmen talked about legal business and fair taxes The First Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Service Olexander Dorohovskiy, directors of departments and heads of structural subdivisions of the State Customs Service met again the members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine.

O

lexander Dorohovskiy has presented a new approach to the relations between the customs and the business “Legal business — fair taxes” to the members of the American Chamber of Commerce. This is a name received by the Service Development Strategy for 2013.

“Filling the State Budget is not for us an end in itself which has to be achieved at any cost. This is the only position of the Ministry of Finance and major fiscal

14

agencies – customs and tax authorities.

The entrepreneur must see that it is not only safer, but also much more profitable to work legally, faithfully paying taxes to the treasury. Therefore, from our side we are trying to build clear and understandable rules for legal business. At the same time we continue to strengthen the fight against “illegal” import”, — Olexander Dorohovskiy said.

“The Customs Service undertakes to reply to the trust by its own trust. And

this trust under the law will provide the conscientious entities with following benefits: reduced volume of information required for customs clearance, speeding-up the goods movement, reducing the number of customs inspections”, — a member of the Board of the State Customs Service Pavlo Pashko said.

The maximum form of trust should become the legal definition of the possibility to provide the customs office with information about goods moved across | МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012

topical information

the customs border without their physical presentation to the customs officers.

The principle of mutual trust between the customs and the business shall be implemented through the use of new technologies for information customs inspection.

The customs objective is to ensure a balance between the customs control simplification and its effectiveness

Olexander Dorohovskiy: “The entrepreneur must see that it is not only safer, but also much more profitable to work legally, faithfully paying taxes to the treasury”.

Jorge Zukoski: “The polling of the Chamber’s member companies has demonstrated a positive assessment of the activity by the business under new customs legislation”. МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012 |

The Customs Service creates an automated system that could identify the entities subject to simplified control and those who will require — in each specific case — a larger volume of customs procedures.

This is a system providing for the correct taxation of goods, avoiding their import without customs control, preventing the declaration of goods not by their names, manipulation with codes, value, country of origin and other parameters that affect the completeness of taxation.

It clearly regulates the custom inspector actions. In fact, this will be software integrated in the information complex the customs officer works with, built on the basis of the risk analysis.

The trust to the business does not exclude the Customs Service’s right to make a random control of entities having obtained the right from the State to undergo simplified control. This condition guarantees the balance between the volume of customs control and its simplification.

“We shall use only those powers which are provided for in new Customs Code.

For these purposes the Customs Audit Department has been created recently.

Its mission is to secure the entities’ convictions that the taxes are better to be paid — once during the customs clearance”, — Olexander Dorohovskiy said.

The First Deputy Chairman of the Service added that in many countries with liberal customs control the post-audit provides up to 30% of all customs duties.

Jorge Zukoski, President of American Chamber of Commerce has praised the activity of the Customs Service in terms of adoption and implementation of the new version of the Customs Code of Ukraine. He said that the polling of the Chamber’s member companies has demonstrated a positive assessment of the activity by the business under new customs legislation. On behalf of the U.S. business he expressed the readiness to co-operate with Customs Service in simplifying and speeding-up the customs procedures and facilitating the business environment.

Olena Mochalova-Kolesnyk,

Press Office, State Customs Service of Ukraine

15

customs statistics

Filling the State Budget

in January-October of 2012 JanuaryOctober 2012

JanuaryOctober 2011

102,8

UAH billion

93,2

Despite the relatively low rate of import growth in January-October of this year the State Customs Service of Ukraine provided the revenues to the State Budget in the amount of UAH 102.8 billion that is by 10.3% or by UAH 9.6 billion more than in the same period of last year.

The high indicator of the revenues growth was achieved due to the improvement of the customs clearance quality.

UAH billion

Import of goods into Ukraine for 10 months

+2%

$ 69.6 billion 2012

$ 68,3 billion 2011

Import of goods which was not subject to any taxes payment for 10 months in 2012 is 29% of total volume of goods imported to Ukraine.

In October of 2012

State Customs Service of Ukraine provided the revenues to the State Budget in the amount of

Amount of conditionally assessed taxes for 10 months in 2012 amounted to UAH 35.5 billion that by 2% (by UAH 0.7 billion) less than in the same period of last year. The biggest amounts are charged at the customs clearance:

52,7% 14,6% UAH 18.7 billion natural gas

16

UAH 5.2 billion medicines and medical products

9,9%

7,9%

3,7%

3,1%

UAH 3.5 billion. goods imported under temporary admission ввезення

UAH 2.8 billion goods imported under free trade agreements with CIS countries and the Republic of Macedonia

UAH 1.3 billion raw materials for excisable goods

UAH 1.1 million energy-saving equipment

10,6 billion UAH

Compared with October 2011 the revenues to the Budget have been increased by 1.4%, or UAH 0.14 billion.

| МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012

customs statistics

Main goods provided the highest income from taxes in the current period which is more than 30%, were the following: 16,5%

7,4%

3,6%

1,6%

1%

Oil products

Passenger cars

Coal

Trucks

Plants protection products

billion UAH 15

17 14,5

+17%

12

9

+19% 5% 17%

1

17%

12

0,8

20

1,6

11

11 20

12 20

11 20

20

12

11 20

12 20

20

0

11

1,4

20

3,7

3,5

3

12

7,6

6,4

20

6

30%

from CIS

37% from EU

24%

from Asia

9%

from other countries

Map of major trading partners

МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012 |

17

anti-smuggling operations

The Interpol opportunities help to control

the importation of cultural values in Ukraine

One of the important aspects of the control over the cultural values movement is to prevent the importation of objects included into the wanted list in Ukraine. This requirement is based on the provisions of the “Convention on actions aimed to prohibit and prevent the illicit import, export and transfer of ownership for cultural values dated 14.11.1970” ratified by the Order of the Presidium of the USSR Supreme Soviet in 1988.

T

he information on stolen items which are in the international wanted list is accumulated and disseminated by Interpol (International Criminal Police Organization — INTERPOL), organization contributing to international law enforcement activity.

Interpol includes 190 countries; Ukraine is member of Interpol since November 1992.

Interpol combats the trafficking of cultural heritage

For the first time Interpol announced the stolen works of art in 1947.

Since that time an effective system of information dissemination in the form of a database is available not only

18

for law enforcement authorities but also for the public.

In order to inform the public representatives Interpol distributes information about: • cases of abduction and finding of the works of art, Interpol was informed about during past two months (the last case concerns the theft of seven paintings including the works by Picasso, Matisse and Monet committed on October 15-16, 2012 from the Kunsthal Museum (Rotterdam, Netherlands)) ; • works of art which are the most wanted

by Interpol. Such information is distributed by Interpol in the form of posters updated twice a year: in June and December. (see page 20)

Interpol gives free access to this part of information.

However in 1995 the General Secretariat has developed a computer database of stolen works of art for police officers with description of objects and their pictures. In 2012 the database contained information on more than 38 000 items.

Since 1999 in order to inform the public and interested parties from the antique market about stolen values, the General Secretariat in collaboration with private French company began manufacturing and distributing CDs on stolen works of art. In August 2006 there was a transition from CD to DVD-technologies with increased memory and, consequently, higher quality of pictures | МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012

anti-smuggling operations

of wanted items.

Since the information located on hard media was quickly losing the topicality it was decided to choose a more modern possibility. After discussions and recommendations adopted by the Interpol group of experts on stolen cultural values, and given the decision taken by the 7th International Symposium on problems of cultural values theft and trafficking, held in Lyon in June 2008, and after consultation with all Interpol member countries the General Secretariat opened online access to the database for general public through its secure website since August 17, 2009.

It has become a powerful step in providing access to information on stolen works of art that prevented many purchases of such items.

This step has simultaneously become the implementation of provisions stipulated in the paragraph 4, Article 4 of the

For the first time Interpol announced the stolen works of art in 1947.

Nowadays any Internet user can use the international police data. Thus the card-file for all stolen masterpieces is put into the public domain. And if the employees of museums, art galleries, auction organizers or private collectors will have some suspects on the origin of paintings or some antiques, they will be able to immediately check whether it is wanted.

Having “declassified” the unique database Interpol seriously blocked the stolen masterpieces distribution channels. The open base contains a detailed information with description and photos on 38 thousands of stolen works of art worldwide. Information and comments of experts are continually updated.

As was said by Karl-Heinz Kind, Head of INTERPOL’s Works of Art unit the access to the database is “an important tool in the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural heritage”.

МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012 |

19

anti-smuggling operations

Database: how it works

1

To obtain access to the database it is necessary to open the appropriate page on the stolen works of art (Stolen works of art) on the Interpol website and fill in personal data recorder (Application form) to get login and password.

2

After the personal data is entered in there will be open the form for objects search. The form contains main search criteria (Main criteria), supporting search criteria (Additional criteria) and administrative criteria (Administrative criteria).

3

The main criteria propose to select offered positions by type of object (carpets, watches, coins, books, furniture, glassware, gold or silver, icons, musical instruments, weapons, etc..), manufacturing technology (drawing, watercolor, etching, silkscreen and others), material (paper, rubber, wood, leather, aluminum, silk, stone, etc.), description details and craftsman name.

The additional criteria specify the morphological characteristics (height, width, diameter, shape) and color. The administrative criteria specify the country or the number of case initiated on the basis of the stolen object.

4

There is a registration card for each object from the list with information about the object and the circumstances of its stealing. The “IPSG reference” position enables to obtain additional information relating to the object stealing.

Poster for June 2012 on cultural values wanted by Interpol

UNIDROIT Convention on Stolen or Illegally Exported Cultural objects dated June 24, 1995. This clause provides for the acquisition of the “good faith” status by the cultural values purchaseronly after verifying the absence of the object purchased in the stolen objects registers of the law enforcement authorities.

Ukrainian customs officials are able to use the Interpol opportunities in the training

The staff of the Center for Personnel Advanced Training, Retraining and Dog Handling of the State Customs Service of Ukraine received an approval from the coordinators of the Specialized Crimes Directorate at the Interpol General Secretariat to use the databases while teaching the students of our Center.

The students will be informed during the courses about possibility to use the Interpol database and peculiarities thereof. These questions are examined while processing the “Peculiarities of control over cultural values movement in the form of preliminary documentary control” topic.

In the future, Interpol intends to expand the opportunities to use its database. This decision was taken at the annual meeting of the Group of Experts on stolen cultural property held by the Interpol General Secretariat in February 2012. The meeting was attended by representatives of Interpol and a number of international organizations, including World Customs Organization. Among other there were discussed the issues aimed to strengthen cooperation between national law enforcement agencies and international organizations to raise the awareness of concerned parties on stolen cultural property, provide special training and increase the exchange of information on this matter.

While summing up the participants supported the Interpol initiative to strengthen the fight against the counterfeit works of art trafficking.

It is also planned to begin the implementation of the “PSYCHE” project in collaboration with Italian Carabinieri from the Specialized Subdivision on Cultural Heritage Protection providing for updating of the Interpol database on stolen works of art.

Serhiy Stopenchuk,

Center for Personnel Advanced Training, Retraining and Dog Handling

20

| МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012

anti-smuggling operations

Main Directorate for Combating Organized Crime of the Ministry of Interior of Ukraine and the State Customs Service eliminated the cocaine trafficking channel

D

epartment for combating contraband and customs offenses of the State Customs Service and Kyiv Regional Customs Office together with Main Directorate for Combating Organ-

ized Crime of the Ministry of Interior of Ukraine, Prosecutor General Office of Ukraine, Drug Enforcement Agency of the U.S. Ministry of Justice (DEA), Central Bureau of Investigation of the Central Police Commandant Office, Republic of Poland and law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Ecuador stopped the activity of the hard drugs (cocaine) trafficking channel from South America to the EU and Ukraine countries.

The specified channel was arranged by the members of the transnational criminal group including the citizens of Ukraine, Poland and Ecuador.

The special operation was simultaneously carried out on the territory of Ukraine, Poland and Ecuador. There were arrested 6 participants, among which there are 4 citizens of Ecuador, 1 our compatriot and 1 resident of the Republic of Poland. 30 kilos of cocaine

amounting approximately to $ 6 million on the “black market” were seized in the city of Ternopil from the criminals.

Currently the Central Investigation Department of the Ministry of Interior of Ukraine has initiated a criminal proceeding based on the crime committed under Part 3, Article 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal production, manufacture, purchase, storage, transport, transfer or sale of drugs, psychotropic substances or their analogues, committed in large volumes by an organized group).

Currently the law enforcement authorities of three countries continue making investigative actions to determine the persons involved in drug trafficking.

Press Office State Customs Service of Ukraine

Customs Officers together with Border Guards detected an illicit attempt to move more than RUR 15.5 million across the border Sanctions for such offenses provide for absolute confiscation of the offense objects and the penalty amounting to 100 percent of the value of goods (currency in this case) representing more than

UAH 8 million.

T

he seizure took place during the joint operational actions performed by officers of Chernivtsi Regional Customs Office in charge of contraband combatting and the officers of Chernivtsi Border Unit in the area of the road checkpoint “Vashkivtsi — Hrimenkeuts”. The offenders (two Moldovan citizens) made an attempt to illegally enter the customs territory of Ukraine beyond the customs authority by a «Mercedes» passenger car.

During the car inspection there was МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012 |

found more than 15.724 million Russian rubles (which is equivalent to USD 500 thousand). The money was in a road suitcase on the back seat of the car. During the preliminary interrogation the individuals acknowledged that the currency belong them in equal parts.

The proceedings on the customs offences have been initiated. The currency was seized.

Currently during the proceedings on these cases the citizens of Moldova will have to tell for what purpose and objec-

tives they attempted to illegally move the large amount of money across the customs border and beyond customs control.

It should be noted that sanctions for such offenses provide for absolute confiscation of the offense objects and the penalty amounting to 100 percent of the value of goods (currency in this case) representing more than UAH 8 million.

Hanna Kurochkina,

Chernivtsi Regional Customs Office

21

customs technologies

Paul Lu does not hide his admiration about capabilities of Odessa customs experts

Technical arsenal of customs control is being diversified Within the implementation of the Canada International Technical Assistance Project the experts from Scientific and Engineering Directorate of Canada Border Services Agency handed an electronic microscope Leica DM2500 M and non-destructive control devices NDT IONOSKAN 400B, as well as provided the training for their use.

Technical assistance provision and scientific exchanges as part of border control policy

Now it is already the Phase II of the Canada Project of International Technical Assistance “Management and activity of customs laboratories in promoting the development of trade, taxation and border control policy”. The project has been launched in October 2004 at the initiative of the Head of Trade and Eco-

22

nomic Mission of the Ukrainian Embassy in Canada, Mr. Mykola Kryzhanivskiy.

The Canadian experts visit to the State Customs Service of Ukraine is a part of scientific and technical dialogue of the Canada Border Services Agency and the Central Customs Department for laboratory studies and expert work (CCDLSEW).

It was preceded by a series of common events. In particular the “round

table” hosted by the Canadian Embassy in Ukraine and attended by small and medium-sized businesses on the discussion of issues arising during the customs clearance of goods involving the expert divisions of the Customs Service of Ukraine, and a workshop on the border security and implementation of management technologies. It was held last year on the basis of structural subdivisions of the Central Customs Depart| МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012

customs technologies

IONSCAN is the most popular desktop detector of drugs and explosives traces. Thousands of similar devices are used in major international airports, military and law enforcement authorities.

Simple sponging of luggage or carry-on baggage to be checked, portable electronic devices and packages – this is what is needed for taking samples which will be then put in IONSCAN for analysis. In 8 seconds the display with color coding shows results to the operator — red indicator while something is detected and green if everything is “clean”. If some banned substance is detected, a specific name of the substance will be displayed.

Leading aviation organizations such as FAA/TSA in the United States, Transport Canada and BAA in the UK highly appreciated IONSCAN and apply it to assure the aviation safety.

The Canadian experts visit to the Customs Service of Ukraine is a part of many years scientific and technical dialogue

ment for laboratory studies and expert work of the State Customs Service of Ukraine in Kyiv, Simferopol and Odessa.

According to its results there was considered a possibility to provide the expert subdivisions of the Customs Service of Ukraine with technical assistance in the form of required technical facilities which are priority ones for different regions of Ukraine. Thus the Odessa Bureau of CCDLSEW has been equipped with modern broad spectrum electronic microscope Leica DM2500 M, and South and Kyiv Regional Customs — with nondestructive control devices IONOSKAN 400B. Canadian scientists familiarized the officers of Odessa Service in charge of expert support to customs authorities with peculiarities of goods examination using this microscope. They also made an interesting training on the use of nondestructive control analyzers «Ionscan 400B» transferred within the project for the customs officers who will be directly engaged in its use. The analyzer’s

МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012 |

“alarm” is programmed for cocaine, heroin, MDMA (ecstasy) and THC (cannabis).

It is interesting that the device detects the elements of drug on documents, ID cards, electronic goods, personal items, watches, toothbrushes, etc.

During the visit there were discussed the methods and exchange of experience in the study of inorganic substances, peculiarities of their classification, jewelry examination. In particular Canadian experts were interested in the accuracy of measurement results, the list of methods that have been accredited in accordance with international standard ISO / IEC 17025, and the list of equipment used according to these methods. There was raised a question about accredited and non-accredited methods using gas chromatography, chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography. There were discussed methodological approaches to studies of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, applying standard research techniques, ways of development and certification, characteristics of research object affecting the goods classification.

the technical equipment is an important component of the border security and the implementation of management technologies.

Olena Guseva,

South Customs Office

“Workshop” with the use of “Ionscan 400B” devices for the analysis of drugs and explosives

Canadian colleagues indicate an appropriate level of application as for received equipment

A month later Canadian experts visited Kyiv and Odessa again. Their visit was aimed to study the effectiveness of the provided laboratory equipment implementation.

It should be noted that Odessa experts impressed the director of Research and Forensic Service of Canadian Agency Mr. Paul Lu by wide range of the microscope possibilities use. A wonderful machine that should determine the morphological characteristics of fibers of wool, textiles and animals hair is also used by Odessa Bureau of CCDLSEW to study minerals, pigments and leather products.

The Project Coordinator, Sr. Advisor of Canada Revenues Agency Nicholas Temnikov while summing up the visits admitted the appropriate level of equipment application and emphasized that

23

reconstruction

Customs checkpoint “Hoptivka”: how it was ...

During the international exhibition “Customs Service — 2012” in Moscow the State Customs Service of Ukraine among other achievements was also presented by the layout of reconstructed international road checkpoint “Hoptivka”. Our story is about its history and nowadays.

I

nternational road checkpoint “Hoptivka”, located in Kharkiv region is one of the biggest crossing points on the eastern border of Ukraine and is the largest one by actual pass-through capacity.

The story begins from “Scherbakivka”

July 1993 is marked by the beginning of “Hoptivka” history. According to the order of the State Customs Committee of Ukraine the Road Customs was requested to create the customs checkpoint “Scherbakivka” (in 1996 it was re-called “Hoptivka”) on the Simferopol — Mos-

cow highway. In the same 1996 the Road Customs Office began the reconstruction of the customs checkpoint under the permanent scheme. At that time the territory of the customs checkpoint made up “whole” 90 meters of the road Kharkiv — Belhorod, and in official letters 6 wagons were proudly called “premises and facilities.” A contiguous checkpoint “Nehotyeyevka” was represented at that time by 8x10 meters canopy and advanced modules. But whatever it was the inspectors of the customs checkpoint “Hoptivka” were proudly fulfilling their duties, per-

forming tasks assigned to them by the Customs Service of the young state. The design and the construction of the road crossing point were going in the same way as the needle follows the thread. Its grand opening was held in the spring of 1998 with the participation of the Prime Minister of Ukraine Valeriy Pustovoitenko, and its total area already reached 8.2 hectares.

A new face till EURO 2012

In the course of time the necessity to reconstruct the customs checkpoint be-

23 lanes are currently operational: 11 for the departure from Ukraine, and 12 for the entry. At that it is possible to use reversing traffic. Average designed daily indicators of border crossing make up 20 thousand persons and 3 thousand vehicles.

Evolution of the customs checkpoint “Hoptivka”: 1992, 2010 and 2012

24

| МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012

reconstruction

During the “Hoptivka” reconstruction the following works have been performed:

• there have been installed the canopies in the areas of border and customs control; • there have been arranged the road transport traffic lanes, including 8 additional: 4 lanes for the entrance to and 4 for the departure from Ukraine; • there were established pavilions for border and customs control at the traffic lanes; • there was arranged a parking for commercial vehicles; • there was built a new transformer substation with backup power source; • there was built a two-storey building of border and customs control, including for customs control of pedestrians; • there was arranged a site of control involving mobile identification and scanning system; • there was installed a distribution fence between the traffic directions and “red” and “green” channels; • there were installed some additional cameras.

МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012 |

came evident. An important impetus for this process has become the preparation for EURO 2012 in Ukraine. The state program on the preparation for the championship included the reconstruction of “Hoptivka.” The need for reconstruction was also due to various indicators of passthrough capacity provided by “Hoptivka” checkpoint and adjacent crossing point.

The construction was started in December 2011. The entire construction process was without breaking the activity of the customs checkpoint officials.

But this thorny path was successfully overcome by Kharkiv customs officers.

All works had been completed till June 1, 2012 according to the commission of the Chairman of the State Customs Service of Ukraine; they allowed to provide designed pass-through capacity of the checkpoint “Hoptivka” and prevented the occurrence of queues, bursts of conflicts during the additional peak traffic because of football championship hosting.

91 buses, 2.618 cars and 8.521 persons crossed the “EURO 2012” lane in June 2012.

Modern checkpoint is a border decoration 23 lanes are currently operational: 11 for the departure from Ukraine and

12 for the entry. At that it is possible to use reversing traffic. Average designed daily indicators of border crossing make up 20 thousand persons and 3 thousand vehicles. And it should be emphasized that these are only designed indicators; in fact, sometimes the inspectors of the customs checkpoint should make the customs control and customs formalities for persons and vehicles the quantity of which is much higher than the designed one.

The professionalism of personnel and ability to mobilize the forces by the customs management and directly by the head of the customs checkpoint — these are criteria serving as the key to effective and harmonized work. The personnel of “Hoptivka” checkpoint should be also distinguished in the fight against smuggling and customs offenses; the officials of this customs checkpoint detected high-profile smuggling objects many times.

So Kharkiv customs officers have many reasons to be proud of. Viva “Hoptivka” checkpoint!

Neonila Churak,

Kharkiv Regional Customs Office

25

customs statistics

Main trends of foreign trade in commodities

for 10 months in 2012

As for 10 months in 2012 the trade turnover of Ukraine has increased by 2% compared to the same period in 2011 and amounted to $ 126.8 billion. The growth of Ukrainian export makes up 3% and the import growth — 2%.

Trade turnover $ billion

13,2

Import $ 69.6 billion

14,2

13,8

13,1 13,2 12

11,2

13,8 12,4

9,9

126,8 $ billion

Export $ 57.2 billion

S

uch growth of foreign trade in commodities is the lowest one in recent years without taking into consideration 2009 where the trade volumes have undergone a significant fall according to all its indicators.

The export / import correlation remains in favor of import, the same as in previous years. The absolute value of balance is negative and gets closer to the level of 2011.

↑

balance $ billion

+0,7 −1,3

↓

january

february

−1,3

−1,5

−2,6

march

april

may

−1

−1,6

−1,5

−0,9

−1,5

june

july

august

september

october

Monthly turnover dynamics is rather uniform. The trade turnover in October has increased by 11% (by $ 1.4 billion) compared to September of this year and nearly by 40% (by USD 3.9 billion) compared to January.

Ukrainian foreign trade in a regional context Ukrainian foreign trade in commodities in regional context is divided as follows. The largest part of Ukraine trade turnover in regard to customs clearance is completed in five regions and in the city of Kyiv: 29% — Kyiv region and the city of Kyiv, 11% — Odessa, 10% — Dnipropetrovsk, 9% — Donetsk regions.

All together the customs authorities of these regions and the city of Kyiv provided customs clearance for almost 60% of the Ukrainian trade turnover which made up more than $ 75.7 billion.

In terms of foreign trade volume that is more than 21% the next are the following regions of Ukraine: Mykolayiv — 5%, Zaporizhya — 4%, Lugansk, Poltava, Kharkiv, Lviv regions — 3% each. Zhytomyr, Zakarpattya regions, the city of Sevastopol, Autonomous Republic of Crimea has provided 2% of turnover each. All together the customs offices located in these regions completed the customs clearance for more than USD 37.2 billion.

Customs Offices located in the other 12 regions of Ukraine completed the customs clearance of about 11% of Ukrainian trade turnover which is $ 13.8 billion.

26

Trade 60% turnover 75,7

29%

$ billion

Kyiv region

10% 9% Dnipropetrovsk region Donetsk region

11% Odessa region

Ukrainian export during ten months in 2012 was carried out mainly through the customs offices in Odessa (16%), Donetsk (14%), Dnipropetrovsk (13%) and Mykolayiv (10%) regions. The goods import was mainly (66%) cleared in the city of Kyiv and Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Odessa and Donetsk regions.

Mykolayiv region

14% 13% 16%

10%

Ukrainian export | МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012

customs statistics

The structure of Ukrainian trade turnover in a geographical context The biggest trade partners of Ukraine in 2012 remain CIS and EU countries the external trade with which collectively makes up 67% of its total volume. However the rate of trade growth with these countries is negative. The turnover with EU countries has decreased by 2%, mainly due to the reduction of Ukrainian export volume and by 7% with CIS countries, mainly due to the decrease of Ukrainian import of goods.

Against the decrease of trade volumes with countries which were traditional leaders of Ukrainian trade, the high rates of growth are shown in 2012 by foreign trade with Asia: +18%, and other countries: +25%. In particular, the effectiveness of Ukrainian trade with these countries is confirmed not only by active growth but also by the surplus in the common trade which in turn will positively affect the foreign trade of Ukraine in general.

39% CIS

28% EU

23% Asia

10%

other countries

Map of major trading partners

Turnover

with CIS countries

with EU countries

with Asia

with other countries

↑ +56% ↓-7%

53,5

$ billion

50

$ billion ↑ +42%

35,6

34,5

$ billion

$ billion

↓-2%

35,1

↑ +18%

$ billion ↑+31%

balance $-7,7 billion

25,1

24,2

$ billion

2010 consumer goods

2011

41%

vehicles

9%

production facilities

2012

$ billion

10,6

2010

2011

2012

9%

14% 16%

6% Hungary 5% France

balance $ 1,6 billion

6%

27% 46%

42%

20% Germany 14% Poland 11% Italy

13,2

9

9% 9%

12%

↑ +25% $ billion

4%

2%

27%

75% Russia 12% Belarus 7% Kazakhstan

2011 13%

7%

↑ +18% $ billion

2010

14%

16%

МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012 |

2012

12%

14%

industrial products

Major trading partners

2011

balance $ 1,1billion

$ billion

13%

13%

fuel and fuel oil

food and drinks

2010

2012

$ billion

18,5

balance $ -7,4 billion

28,5

$ billion

28% China 16% Turkey 9% India

6% South Korea 5% Japan

45%

26% U.S. 19% Egypt 6% Brazil

6% Switzerland 3% Norway

27

region

The customs openness to business environment is a powerful mechanism for economic development The Customs Service pays a great attention to creating favorable conditions for international business. Kirovohrad Customs Office also arranges and develops in every way the relationship with businessmen in the region. 834 business entities engaged in foreign trade are now accredited at the Customs office.

The most expanded forms of common cooperation is the meeting of Public Council under the Customs Office and newly established Club of biggest taxpayers, seminars, conferences, “round tables” with business entities as well as signing of Agreements on cooperation with regional organizations of employers, industrialists and entrepreneurs.

The time required for customs clearance of the export-import goods by the Customs office was reduced by

40% and makes up 53 minutes.

T

he customs mission is to find the balance between the interests of business and the state which would contribute to the establishment of partnership, and in such a way to filling the state treasury.

Club of biggest taxpayers operates from now at Kirovohrad Customs Office

Agreements on cooperation with public business organizations lead the relationship to the next development level. From now the customs office and the business as equal partners will jointly promote the development of external economic relations and raise investments in regions, will prevent the

contraband and customs laws violation, will regularly exchange information and hold joint events as for consideration and resolution of topical issues, etc.

The main participants of the cooperation, i.e. the business and customs representatives expressed their attitude to such cooperation.

Dmytro Shvets, President of Public Council under the Kirovohrad Customs Office, director of “M-Terminal” LLC: “We usually inform the management of the Customs Office about the issues arising during customs procedures and our proposals how to solve them as soon as they arise, as well as during monthly working meetings with the management board and sectorial experts of the cus-

toms office. In my opinion this method of interaction is useful and effective”.

Pavlo Shtutman, Chairman of Kirovohrad regional association of employers, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, JSC “Hydrosyla Group” and JSC “Elvorti Group”: “Signing the Agreement on cooperation is very significant because Kirovohrad regional association has got a possibility for the first time to conduct equal dialogue with the Customs. Thus, among others the Agreement provides for possibility to make joint analysis and submit proposals to the customs regulations. In addition, the working group has been created to consider and resolve any issues that may arise between the entities involved in foreign trade and customs office”.

Natalia Artemenko, a member of Club of biggest taxpayers in the region, Executive Director of ARC “Meat Processing Plant “Yatran”: “After the new Customs code took effect we, as one of the leaders

During joint events there were discussed the logistics as an important component in the coordination of all functions and business processes, the problems arising during customs clearance, as well as importance of the production development in Kirovohrad region that will help to saturate the market with goods and services, build healthy competition, create new jobs, overcome negative processes in the economy and fill in regional and local budgets.

28

| МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012

region

of Ukrainian food industry have experienced modernization in the customs service activity. Due to electronic declaration we save time and money – this is a big advantage for the business”.

Stanislav Martynov, member of Club of biggest taxpayers in the region, General Director of “Agroresurs” LLC: “Our company as a powerful importer is among five biggest customs duties payers in Kirovohrad region. Therefore, the status of authorized economic operator stipulated in new Customs Code, will radically change the process of customs clearance for us and will lead to new level of relations with Customs Service, built on the basis of mutual confidence and responsibility”.

The customs mission is to find the balance between the interests of business and the state which would contribute to the establishment of partnership, and in such a way to filling the state treasury.

The Customs Office provides the most favorable conditions for entrepreneurship in the region

Head of Kirovohrad customs office Pavlo Skalskiy while assessing the relationship between the Customs Office and regional business has admitted that the Customs Office is open to partner and equal relationship with business. Due to innovations in customs legislation of Ukraine which are in line with international standards, the time required for customs clearance of the export-import goods by the Customs office was reduced by 40% and makes up 53 minutes; almost half of all customs declarations issued are treated in electronic form, and the number of customs examinations is less than 1%. A wide application of information technology, implementation of effective mechanisms to simplify and speed up customs procedures is a requirement of the modern development of foreign trade and the next step of the Customs Office towards business.

However the entrepreneurs under modern conditions have many opportunities to influence fiscal and regulatory authorities, including customs, by appealing against officials’ decisions, actions or inaction through Community Councils, Departments of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, Organizations of Employers, Regional Business Councils of Entrepreneurs and various sectorial associations etc.

The development of entrepreneurship and increase of revenues to the state treasury due to such development enables to solve a number of the most topical social and economic problems, provides for economy strengthening, gives the flexibility thereto and creates jobs. And thus it contributes to the stability, goodness and well-being in the state.

almost half of all customs declarations issued are treated in

electronic form

Svitlana Samsonova,

Kirovohrad Customs Office

МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012 |

29

region

Ternopil region: let us build the future together!

Agriculture is one of the priority sectors of the national economy. The development of this industry contributes to material well-being, strengthen economic and food security in the state, increase its export potential. One of the key factors in the agriculture development and the quality of life improvement in rural areas is to raise investment in the agricultural sector.

According to forecasts the annual output in the greenhouse complex will be

350 tons of cucumbers, 1 550 tons of pepper and 4 000 tons of tomatoes.

30

I

n Western Ukraine in Synkiv village which is Zalishchytsk district of Ternopil region there was opened one of the largest and most powerful greenhouse complexes in Europe.

Its construction involved investments amounting to USD 100 million; Dmytro Firtash, businessman, Chairman of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine has become the investor therein.

According to Mr. Firtash the idea to implement this agricultural experiment resulted from the aspiration to help his

native village. He decided to build the greenhouse because the microclimate in Synkiv is ideal to grow vegetables, and besides he was dealing with from childhood, the same as his fellow villagers.

The Greenhouse Complex uses the most modern technology of growing

The construction of the greenhouse complex «DF Agro» was started in December 2011. For less than a year an international team of engineers and workers from

Ukraine, Holland, Israel and Turkey built a modern greenhouse complex with total area equal to 10 hectares. The complex is specialized in growing tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. Subsequently, its area will be expanded to 40 hectares.

According to forecasts the annual output in the greenhouse will make up 350 tons of cucumbers, 1,550 tons of pepper and 4,000 tons of tomatoes.

Actually this is the first greenhouse in Ukraine where the peppers are being grown in commercial volumes. | МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012

region

Mykola Harkaviy: “We appreciate and support the companies playing such an important role in the development of our region.”

The expected average yield of all plants will be 58 kg/m2, among others tomatoes will make almost 70 kg/m2, peppers — 40 kg/m2. Such high output will be achieved by using one of the most advanced cultivation technologies in the world.

24 hours lighting of plants and their drip irrigation are provided in Synkiv greenhouses. The delivery of fertilizers and nutrient solution rich by minerals, as well as maintaining the temperature mode is provided by computer system.

Through this system the experts from the Netherlands and Israel carry out remote agronomic support, supervise all stages of plants growing and output.

The seedling department is also built in the greenhouse complex. There was built the packing department with auto-

Victor Gordash: “Greenhouse products are currently distributed on the domestic market, and will be ready for export soon”.

МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012 |

mated sorting and packing lines. Thus, the complex has a full production cycle — from growing plants to packaging the products and its delivery to consumers.

The customs mission is to support the business potential of the region

The production volume of greenhouse enterprise will not only provide the population of our country with its products, but also will export the products to CIS countries and the European Union. There have been signed already the supply contracts with such countries as Turkey, Iran, Spain, Israel and the Netherlands.

Thus, according to the director of greenhouse enterprise Victor Gordash, the products exports will be in the nearest future. So the enterprise plans to open the Customs Clearance Sector of Ternopil Customs Office in order to ensure prompt customs control and customs clearance of goods. This will allow the company to save not only time but also money.

Implementing the concept of the Ukrainian Customs Service reforming

“Facing the people” where one of main objectives is to facilitate the dialogue and cooperation with business, Head of Ternopil Customs Office Mykola Harkaviy visited newly built greenhouse.

“Greenhouse Complex “DF Agro” provides not only new with jobs but also plays a significant budget-generating role in the region”, Mykola Harkaviy said during a working meeting with Victor Gordash.

So the Head of Customs Office has been personally familiarized with greenThe company plans to open house activity in order to the Customs Clearance Sector better understand the needs of Ternopil Customs office to of enterprise and to outline ensure prompt customs clearthe ways for further coopance of vegetable production. eration in providing quality customs services and realizing customs formalities.

Such dialogue is constantly conducted with other businessmen in the region. With this purpose the Ternopil Customs Office created the “Club of biggest taxpayers.” The companies which are the Club members receive priority assistance in solving problems related to customs control and customs clearance of goods. There is also a working group consisting of the most experienced experts to ensure timely and quality explanation of customs legislation to concerned persons.

The Customs Office faces the mission aimed to improve the conditions for business which should become more stable and predictable. This is one of the most important components of successful business development.

Inna Pavlovska,

Ternopil Customs Office

31

region

Congratulations to partners with elegant anniversary!

LLC “WINNER IMPORTS UKRAINE, LTD” is one of the first companies on the basis of which there was set-up Information terminal and there were made first cargo customs declarations. At present the customs clearance of cargos are made by these entrepreneurs exclusively by using the electronic declaration.

During the period from 01.01.2012 to 12.10.2012 LLC “WINNER IMPORTS UKRAINE, LTD” the territory of which hosts the Customs Clearance Sector no. 5 of the Customs Clearance Division no. 1 of the Customs checkpoint “East Terminal” attached to Kyiv Regional Customs Office has transferred UAH 735,585,515.35 to the state budget and made the customs clearance according to 2,046 cargo customs declarations.

It is already for 20 years that the “Winner” company shows international standards of automotive business in Ukraine. Now the company has, in particular: • over 550 professionals devoted to their profession; • modern distribution center with total area equal to 10,700 m2; • pre-delivery center with capacity over 2,000 vehicles per month; • dozens of awards and victories in national business rankings and car contests; • 63 dealer centers throughout Ukraine; • multi-brand conceptual dealership “Winner Automotive” with total area equal to 8,400 m2 and the construction of new dealerships on Boryspil Highway; • over 75,000 satisfied and loyal customers.

As confirmed by the entrepreneurs themselves the quality of work of each dealer included into the “Winner” dealer network meets the requirements of manufacturers and is constantly monitored — the company provides the same professional approach to customers regardless of where the vehicle is purchased or maintained. Due to high standards of work and progressive ap-

32

proach to business construction based on international experience, the company has won the right to represent in Ukraine five brands which are popular and loved by Ukrainian consumers: Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo and Porsche.

Customs Office promotes conscientious importers

One of the basic principles of successful activity for the company is to do honest and transparent business.

Although the Company started its side-by-side activity with Kyiv Regional Customs Office only two years ago (when the customs clearance department specialized in customs procedures for trucking companies was attributed to the structure of Kyiv Regional Customs Office), but by this time the entrepreneurs demonstrated their best business characteristics and are not just one of our major budget-generating position, but real friends and partners to the customs officers.

So let us congratulate LLC “WINNER IMPORTS UKRAINE, LTD” with anniversary and wish our friends a powerful development and prosperity!

Maryna Bolitsok,

Kyiv Regional Customs Office | МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012

region

To see the world with the customs officer’s eyes Head of Chernihiv Customs Office Olexander Ivanov is always adherent to the dialogue with media representatives and the application of new forms of work with mass media and the public representatives of the region. Participation in the program “Transformation” — new project of TV & Radio Agency “New Chernihiv” — has become one of the creative innovations.

A

ccording to the idea of Olena Lazun, who is author and presenter of the program, the journalist should “try on” profession to credibly communicate its core to the audience.

That is the journalist should undergo some transformation. The new project has been recently launched on the local TV channel and one of the first professions that will be presented in the programs, has become the customs profession. Perhaps this shows both the public interest in the Customs activities and the customs openness for the media.

The channel’s proposal was supported by the Head of the Customs Office. The checkpoint “Novi Yarylovychi” at the Ukrainian-Belarusian border was identified as the place of “transformation”. The supervisor of Olena in this experiment has become the chief inspector of the customs checkpoint “Novi Yarylovychi” Kostyantyn Serhienko who initially had a “master class” for her and responded to questions about the principles and reefs in the customs inspector profession.

The customs uniform and support from the supervisor helped Olena to undergo “transformation” into the customs inspector. Side-by-side the customs officer and the journalist examined the passenger bus, passenger transport, МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012 |

communicated with persons. At Olena’s request Kostyantyn Serhienko evaluated her actions as a customs inspector. In general despite some comments he gave a positive evaluation to the journalist’s aspiration to experience the customs profession.

“It’s nice to work in a team of professionals”

After the program filming Olena answered a few questions of rapid-fire interview: — How did you feel having “transformed” into Customs inspector?

— It was interesting to try myself in new character. I had different feelings.

Firstly, I liked the uniform. I would say that the dress added me some confidence during the “transformation” itself. Secondly, I knew that there were persons nearby ready to support and help at any moment.

— In your opinion what aspects of personality should have a person of this profession? How would you answer this question before and after “transformation”?

— In my opinion, the profession of customs inspector is difficult. You should know many things and not only concerning the customs activity. For example, you have to be a psychologist

in order to find the right language with different individuals crossing the border. You have to be well-versed in technology and vehicles. And most importantly — you need to keep learning on a permanent basis, because the progress is moving all the time.

— Would you like to wish something to us, customs inspectors?

— I would like to wish you patience and inspiration in your work. The main thing is to understand that your work gives benefits to the state and its citizens.

— What was your goal during the preparation of “Transformation” project in general and this program in particular?

— To understand the peculiarities of the profession. If I may say so – to see the world with the eyes of a customs inspector. … Hope that after this program the viewers will learn more about our profession; they could see it inside with the eyes of a person who is not affiliated thereto. And in result of better understanding the environment at the customs border will become more tolerant and benevolent.

Svitlana Stryzhak,

Chernihiv Customs Office

33

customs history presented by facts and faces

Legend of Kherson Customs Office

celebrates his 90 anniversary th

The history of Kherson Customs Office, the oldest one in southern Ukraine, is inextricably linked with the process of our state independence building.

During the period of its existence the team of the Customs Office has significantly contributed to the reliable control over the economic borders of Ukraine, as well as protection of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We express a deep respect and honor to our veterans for their courage, dedication and significant contribution to the development of the Ukrainian Customs.

T

here are people at Kherson Customs Office whose destiny represents a real book of life and the labor and life history is a reference of conscientious service to the State and to chosen profession. Such person for Kherson Customs Officers is an honorable veteran and founder of the history recording of Kherson Customs Office Dmytro Ivanovych Plotnikov. Based on dispassionate biography lines Dmytro Ivanovych was born in 1922, by profession he is Russian language and literature teacher, in 1958 he graduated from Kherson Pedagogical Institute, in September 1946 joined the customs authorities, and from 1952 to 1993 he was working as Head of Kherson Customs Office, has a personal title — III rank State Customs Advisor. But behind these short lines is hidden such a life history and achievements which would not be enough for one life. It is breath taking when you imagine the difficult times of the twentieth century his life passed through; as well as troubles and tempests attempted to block his way; and how endlessly Mr. Plotnikov had to overcome them — and to work, assert himself, take decisions, assume responsibility for those who were nearby. And heading the Customs Office during four decades, through several historical and social periods – do we know a lot of examples like this?

There are no many such heroic people nowadays – Dmytro Ivanovych was not only defending his father’s land, making heroic acts for for the sake of peaceful sky; he was awarded with the Order of the Patriotic War, the Order of Red Star; medals “For the Victory over Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War”, “For taking Konigsberg”.

In the postwar time the merits of Mr. Plotnikov were appreciated by medals “20th anniversary of the Victory

34

over Germany in the Great Patriotic War”, “For Valorous Labor in commemoration of centenary from V.I. Lenin birth”, “30th anniversary of the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War”, “40th anniversary of the Victory”, “Veteran of Labor”; he was also awarded by the medal “Border Forces Expert”, has a departmental award of the State Customs Service of Ukraine — the badge “For Merit”.

The Plotnikov’s Big Birthday is a high day for the whole Customs Service

Recently Kherson Customs Office has got a remarkable event — the legend of Kherson Customs Office Dmytro Ivanovych Plotnikov has celebrated his 90th anniversary. Dmytro Ivanovych is one of a few people who know the history of the twentieth century not from the textbooks. These people have created the history themselves; they were the witnesses of many events. Their advices, memories, experience are priceless for all of us and future generations. Over the years of hard work Dmytro Ivannovych cherished a number of highly educated professionals who later became the senior managers of the Ukrainian Customs Service.

Dmytro Ivanovych was really surprised and impressed by the attention not only from the staff and veterans of Kherson Customs Office but also by congratulations coming from different parts of the country. These warm words reminded Dmytro Ivanovych of his life, pushed for memories of the years of work for our country, warmed the soul and the heart of this white-haired but not old man.

Dmytro Ivanovych Plotnikov is an active participant in the public life of Kherson Customs Office; as a member of the Union of Customs Veterans he shares

And heading the Customs Office during four decades, through several historical and social periods – do we know a lot of examples like this?

his rich life and professional experience with young generation of Kherson Customs Officers. He closely communicates with young people since he is a member of many open classes in educational institutions. He follows-up the activity of the “Skadovsk” customs post of Kherson Customs Office and sometimes while visiting the Customs Office communicates with Customs Officers and gives them his absolutely professional advices. In short he shares his rich experience and lives by the work of the Customs Officers.

Wishing Dmytro Ivanovych a very happy birthday, we rejoice that we have an opportunity to talk with a witness of many events that took place in Ukraine.

Such people deserve the respect. After all, each day they show us an example of how we should live. In order to adequately carry the title of a Man through all the years.

We wrote about this really legendary man – a fearless hero and talented leader — on the “Customs” pages and not once. The occasion was the Victory Day, the Day of Customs Veterans and the trip of Mr.Plotnikov to Kaliningrad as he participated in the liberation of this city from the Nazis. And now a new occasion — and the great one! Such people create customs mythology that is something without which it is impossible to teach the young generation to be devoted to the profession, because this is the core and the spirit of the profession. And Dmytro Ivanovych is full of this fighting and obstinate spirit in his so revered, so worthy and splendid anniversary. He generously shares this spirit with all persons around him. Cheers, Dmytro Ivanovych for many years. Be surrounded by loving and caring hearts. This world cannot exist without people like you!

Tetiana Smolenska,

Kherson Customs Office | МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012

customs history presented by facts and faces

Wishing Dmytro Ivanovych a very happy birthday, we rejoice that we have an opportunity to talk with a witness of many events that took place in Ukraine.

Such people deserve the respect. After all, each day they show us an example of how we should live. In order to adequately carry the title of a Man through all the years.

МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012 |

35

labor trade

The Ukrainian Customs Trade Union celebrates its 20th anniversary!

20 years have elapsed from the time when the officers of all customs authorities of Ukraine have been assembled in Kyiv for the first constituent meeting and based on the free expression of the will decided to set-up a Customs Labor Union. At that time there was adopted the Charter of Labor Union which was the first voluntary public organization of customs officers in independent Ukraine.

In honor of the 20th anniversary of the Customs Labor Union of Ukraine the Alley of the Labor Union’s Fame was set-up on the territory of “Zhemchuzhyna” center.

36

T

he directors and representatives of Trade Unions from all customs authorities have assembled in the Medical Rehabilitation Center “Zhemchuzhyna” to celebrate such a great event.

Working for people

The main asset of the Union is represented by the employees. This is exactly due to the people who are insistently, selflessly and initiatively engaged in the protection of their colleagues social rights, and perform daily official duties that we succeeded to build a solid system and implement many social initiatives aimed to protect social and trade interests of Ukrainian customs officers. Many of them are Customs veteran and devoted more than 15 and sometimes even more than 20 years to the customs activity.

And the loyalty to the profession, inexhaustible energy and openness encourage them to work and get professional achievements.

From the beginning of its establishment, the Trade Union of customs officers of Ukraine exercising the rights and powers had used all legal measures to protect socio-economic interests of customs staff, participated in the elaboration of plans for economic and so-

cial development, concluded collective agreements and agreements with the management, controlled the compliance with trade legislation, was involved in the organization of leisure and recreation of customs officers etc. All this time the Union’s management and the directors of primary professional organizations constantly cooperate with the management of the State Customs Service and the directors of customs authorities and jointly perform tasks facing the institution.

“Zhemchuzhyna” will have the Alley of the Trade Union’s Fame

While congratulating the colleagues the Chairman of Labor Union Ihor Timofeev admitted a personal contribution of each employeeand thanked for active work. A special congratulation was to veterans of the Trade Union movement and, of course, to the first President of the Union Anatoliy Pavlov who were the first activists charged with building principles, creating and developing an efficient mechanism for the effective movement of Trade Union of Ukrainian customs officers: “I am very glad that we are all doing the same useful job”.

Mrs. Tetyana Pohorelov, President of the Union of Customs Veterans also expressed her congratulation. Tetyana

sincerely congratulated her colleagues on this occasion, wishing them a good health, inspiration, getting significant achievements and progress in the development of the trade union movement.

In honor of the 20th anniversary of the Customs Trade Union of Ukraine the Alley of the Trade Union’s Fame was setup on the territory of “Zhemchuzhyna” center. Everyone had an opportunity to be involved in planting the center’s courtyard.

Despite such a great event the routine work had to be done too. The activities results for current year as well as future plans were discussed at the meeting of the Trade Union Council.

20 years ... On the one hand this is a significant period of time which is enough to sum up results of what has been done. And on the other this is only beginning since the Customs Service, the same as our country, is rather young structure which is being dynamically developed. So we wish the inspiration in the work, peace and harmony in families and professional achievements.

Congratulation!

Kateryna Voronkova,

Press Office State Customs Service of Ukraine | МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012

“Go fish, big and small” E

njoying the last autumn warm the team of Poltava Customs Office decided to spend the day-off surrounded by nature and organize fishing competitions.

Having arrived at the place of recreation the fishermen immediately flooded the scenic shore of picturesque Psel river.

Having their own arsenal of fishing tools, a secret bait and fishing techniques known only to them they started testing their agility and ability to fish. Along with them the younger generation was testing its skills.

The fierce fishing battles were taking place for a few hours. Although the weather was favorable for fishing this day, but a saying: “Fish bite well yesterday and tomorrow” could be applied to some fishermen.

After lively discussions and fish trophies examination, the victory was unanimously awarded to... friendship. All participants received awards from the Customs Labor Union Committee.

After the official part of the event at the delicious fish soup and a wonderful kulish, fishing amateurs told various interesting stories that happened to them during the rest with a fishing rod.

Everyone got great companions and fun communication with friends and colleagues on this day. As well as good mood for further working challenges..

Olena Dubova,

Poltava Customs Office

МИТНИЦЯ • № 10 (95) 2012 |

Š 2012 The State customs service of Ukraine