Zelenskyy approves law on customs reboot

The draft law “On amendments to the Customs Code of Ukraine regarding the specifics of service in customs authorities and certification of officials of customs authorities”, better known as the law on restarting customs, received the signature of President Volodymyr Zelenskyi and returned to the Verkhovna Rada. This law will enter into force on October 31, 2024, with the exception of some provisions that will take effect from the beginning of 2025.
The law provides for an open and transparent competition for the position of the head of the State Customs Service (SSC) with the participation of international organizations. Also, within 18 months after the appointment of a new manager, re-certification of all employees of the customs authorities will be carried out.
The new head of the DMS will receive political independence and will be able to be dismissed only after conducting an audit. In addition, he will have the right to independently appoint his deputies without consultation with the Minister of Finance.
The law also provides for a significant increase in the wages of customs officials, almost doubling their income. At the same time, the procedures for the formation of competitive commissions for the selection of the head of the central executive body responsible for the implementation of the state customs policy have been improved.