Some goods may be confiscated: how customs rules will be tightened.

Changes to the Customs Code strengthen responsibility for violations of customs rules

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has adopted important amendments to the Customs Code concerning violations of customs rules and control over the movement of goods across the border.

The draft law introduces stricter rules for international postal and express shipments. If there is incorrect information about the goods in the customs declaration or accompanying documents, a fine of 30% to 50% of the goods' value will be imposed, with possible confiscation.

Particular innovations concern vehicles that have been temporarily seized by customs authorities. Owners are given a 10-day period to place such vehicles under a different customs regime or export them outside Ukraine. If this requirement is not met, a fine of 10,000 to 15,000 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens will be imposed, or the vehicle will be confiscated.

The draft law also clarifies the circumstances under which a case for violating customs rules cannot be initiated or must be closed. Among these circumstances are: lack of a violation, innocence of the person, being under 16 years of age, actions taken in a state of necessity, expiration of limitation periods, and others.

Moreover, the document stipulates that if the court decides not to confiscate temporarily seized vehicles or to suspend the proceedings, such vehicles will be returned to the owner after compensation for storage costs.

Additionally, it should be noted that the police can open packages of Ukrainians without their knowledge.