Chisinau, 26 October – EUBAM today handed over responsibility for the organisation of the regional Trade Facilitation Working Group to U.S Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Programme (CLDP). During its latest meeting in Chisinau, on 25-26 October, assessed the progress made by the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine in the introduction of the Authorised Economic Operators scheme, strengthened Post-Clearance Audit functions, and adaptation of key EU regulations on rules of origin, free zones and guarantees.

The Working Group was established by EUBAM in 2015 as a platform for co-operation between the Customs services of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, other government agencies, business representatives and donors. It has proven to be a useful catalyst for public-private co-operation on identifying gaps and challenges in trade facilitation measures in the Customs practices of both countries. Vladimir Pisar, EUBAM’s Trade Facilitation Advisor, highlighted that, “the emphasis of the Trade Facilitation Working Group has, since its inception, been on finding solutions between the Customs services and the business community, rather than just discussion. The fact that participants want to continue to utilize it beyond EUBAM’s engagement demonstrates its value.”

In 2017, the Working Group’s efforts led to the development of draft legislation to strengthen the Post-Clearance Audit function in Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. Post-Clearance Audits allow a Customs Service to verify the accuracy and authenticity of declarations through the examination of records and data held by economic operators. Their use means less controls are conducted at the border, allowing for faster clearance and more accurate valuation of goods.

The U.S Department of Commerce’s CLDP will take on EUBAM’s organization of the Trade Facilitation Working Group’s functions. CLDP supports the Government of Ukraine in fulfilling its World Trade Organization obligations on trade policy.