Customs updated the technical equipment of checkpoints and its regulatory framework: implementation of the recommendations of the Accounting Chamber

The technical condition of equipping customs checkpoints with technical means of customs control and scanning systems was analyzed, the requirements for providing customs posts with these systems, their accounting and use were improved, and a state examination of the information protection systems of the State Customs Service of Ukraine and customs authorities was conducted. These are the results of the implementation of the recommendations of the Accounting Chamber, provided following the results of the efficiency audit on the topic of "Ensuring the implementation of state customs policy under martial law."

*The report contains information with restricted access, certain circumstances of the study cannot be made public.

Recall that the audit of the activities of customs authorities, which covered 2022-2023, confirmed their fulfillment of their main functions and powers. At the same time, shortcomings were also identified, in particular:

- the technical support of customs offices is outdated. A significant part of the technical means of customs control has exhausted its resource or is subject to write-off, and the automation of clearance procedures was insufficient. Many checkpoints lack scanning systems, and some  – the equipment was operating in test mode;

- customs officers often did not have proper training to work with modern equipment at the checkpoint, which reduced the effectiveness of control;

- the functioning information and communication systems of the State Customs Service of Ukraine did not ensure full automation of customs procedures.

Currently, out of 43 recommendations provided by the Accounting Chamber to modernize and increase the efficiency of the customs control system, 24 have been implemented. First of all:

-– Strategic planning has been improved. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the Strategy for the Development and Expansion of Border Infrastructure with the EU Countries and Moldova until 2030, as well as the corresponding Operational Plan for its implementation. The document provides for the modernization of checkpoints, identifies the executors, deadlines, and sources of funding;

– By order of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, a medium-term plan of measures to achieve the goals of reforming customs authorities within the framework of the implementation of the National Revenue Strategy until 2030 was approved;

– the regulatory framework is being updated. The State Customs Service approved a new edition of the Procedure for providing, accounting for and using technical means of customs control in territorial bodies of the State Customs Service and indicative norms for equipping customs departments with such means;

– the transparency of accounting tax notices-decisions was increased. Methodological recommendations on organizing interaction between structural units of customs and the State Customs Service when maintaining accounting in the Unified Automated Information System of Customs Authorities of tax notices-decisions and other materials related to the results of documentary checks were approved. This allows, in particular, to ensure control over the repayment of additional monetary obligations for customs payments accrued to taxpayers;

– The condition of scanning systems and the need for new ones were analyzed. During the inspection of existing systems, damaged or missing equipment was discovered and criminal proceedings were opened on the relevant facts. The need for checkpoints in scanning systems was also analyzed and proposals were made for their redistribution;

– The process of public procurement for the needs of customs was improved. New procedures for their planning and implementation were approved, and a separate commission was created to consider justifications for procurement without using the electronic system. Customs officials have undergone appropriate training on the Prozorro and Prometheus platforms;

– Attention to the issue of information protection has been increased. A state examination of the comprehensive information protection system of key subsystems of the State Customs Service and individual components of the information and communication system of customs authorities has been carried out, as a result of which certificates of conformity have been obtained;

– The quality of service provision has been improved. An electronic form for surveying entities of foreign economic activity has been introduced (available on the official web portal of the State Customs Service).

The Accounting Chamber continues to monitor the implementation of the recommendations provided in this audit and will inform the public about their implementation.

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