OREANDA-NEWS. September 07, 2010. A Customs Code, which is drafting by the Government of Ukraine, will be as close as possible to the highest international standards in this area. Vice-Prime Minister Sergiy Tigipko said this during a meeting with Secretary General of the World Customs Organisation Kunio Mikuriya.

"Customs legislation reform concerns investors not less than the amendments to the taxation. Now the working group on the elaboration of a draft Customs Code, which includes representatives of business, simplifies as much as possible customs procedures and prescribes the mechanisms of transparency", said Sergiy Tigipko.

According to the Vice Prime Minister, transparent work of Ukrainian Customs will not only improve the investment climate in Ukraine, but also increase revenue to the budget. "One of the main tasks during the elaboration of the Customs Code consists in overlapping of all routes for smuggling and counterfeit goods. In addition, we need to exclude customs duties and tax evasion on import. In this context, the best world experience in determining the customs value of goods is very valuable for Ukraine", stressed the official.

At the same time, Sergiy Tigipko opposed immediate expansion of customs authorities’ powers. In his view, the additional powers of customs authorities, such as the commission of investigation, operational and investigative activities, etc., could be considered only after ensuring the transparency of customs procedures.