Ukrainian entrepreneurs are concerned about the authorities’ intentions to expand the powers of border guards

Experts of the European Business Association (EBA) reported that the people’s deputies have prepared a draft law on amendments to the legislation on the state border, which causes concern among business representatives. About this it is said in the statement of the EBA press service.

The association notes that the new document repeats the provisions of draft law No. 10128, previously registered in the Verkhovna Rada. In particular, it is proposed to give border guards the right to independently initiate and conduct inspections of vehicles and goods at the border together with the National Police.

The EBA emphasizes that the current legislation provides that such reviews should be carried out exclusively in cooperation with customs authorities. According to the association, the proposed changes may restore the practice of interference by law enforcement officers in the customs clearance process, which carries the risk of abuse. This, in turn, can negatively affect the competitiveness of Ukrainian goods on the international market and lead to a decrease in the volume of foreign trade.

EBA considers it more expedient to improve already existing procedures and more effectively use resources to improve the quality of customs inspections and optimize the work of customs. Business representatives emphasize that the European experience demonstrates the importance of clearly demarcating the functions of border and customs control, which contributes to increasing the transparency and efficiency of these processes.