The Joint Transit Convention should simplify customs clearance of goods. And Ukraine is on the way to signing it, thanks to the active implementation of the necessary legislative and organizational requirements. It is worth mentioning the joint IT product (NCTS), which was a big step on which this international agreement is based.
In total, it already unites 27 countries: the EU, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Great Britain, Turkey, North Macedonia and Serbia.
Michael Ratier, Head of the Preliminary Assessment Mission of the signatory countries, Director of the Transit Unit of the Directorate General for Taxation and the Customs Union of the European Commission, said:
“Ukraine is already using a New Computerized Transit System (NCTS) at the national level. It has made significant progress in preparing and is likely to accede to the Convention on a Common Transit Procedure and thus begin the international application of the NCTS in 2022, said Michael Rathje, Head of the Preliminary Evaluation Mission of the Signatories to the Convention on a Common Transit Procedure, of the Transit Division of the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union of the European Commission (DG TAXUD). This will have a positive impact on the trade and movement of goods for Ukraine, the EU, and other countries of the Convention. Traders should already be joining the NCTS and familiarising themselves with its functions, as this will make their job easier when the system is used for international trade.”
He also encouraged all trades to join NCTS, because upon signing it will facilitate the work of the companies.
In particular, after Ukraine’s accession to the Convention, Ukrainian business will be able to enjoy the benefits and simplifications of joint transit, which has business in 35 countries of the Convention, as well as when moving goods in joint transit 35+ to work on the principle “one vehicle – one declaration – one financial guarantee”. After accession, businesses should have simpler and more transparent customs procedures, better opportunities for international trade, including customs simplifications – opportunities that are already used by businesses in the EU – members of the common transit regime.
The evaluation mission of the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union of the European Commission (DG TAXUD) is tentatively scheduled for February 2022.