The 3rd Annual Trade Facilitation Working Group Meeting, organised by EUBAM, resulted in a number of recommendations for both Moldova’s Customs Service and Ukraine’s State Fiscal Service on the implementation of the AA/DCFTAs in both countries and barriers to international trade in both countries. The meeting brought together representatives of business and the Customs agencies of Moldova and Ukraine, as well as DG TAXUD.

For the second time in EUBAM’s history, the Mission succeeded in bringing experts from Chisinau and Tiraspol together to share experience. On 23 November, a joint workshop on plant health import controls for Chisinau and Tiraspol phytosanitary and customs structures was delivered by the Mission’s expert on phytosanitary issues.

The Government of Ukraine amended its procedures for the destruction of confiscated cigarettes. The amendments, which had been advocated by EUBAM, will make the destruction process more transparent and involving tobacco industry representatives in destruction decisions.

EUBAM’s 27th Advisory Board Meeting took place in Chisinau on 21 November and discussed the progress made in implementing Integrated Border Management practices in Moldova and Ukraine, as well as EUBAM’s current and future support to these important reforms. The EU Delegations to Moldova and Ukraine, Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Moldova and Ukraine, as well as EUBAM’s border and customs partner services participated.

During November the Mission advised Moldova’s Customs Service’s application of the pan-Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) rules of origin, and advised Ukraine’s State Fiscal Service on the granting of preferential treatment within “first come, first serve” quotas after the release of goods for free circulation. Both provisions form part of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area signed between both countries and the EU.