Introduction of 13% extra charge on import duty to be challenge for Ukrainian customs service, says service head

The introduction of the law on amendments to some Ukrainian laws to improve the state of Ukraine's balance of payments due to the international financial crisis, which foresees the imposition of a 13% extra charge on import duty, will be a challenge for the Ukrainian customs service, according to Anatoliy Makarenko, the head of the State Customs Service of Ukraine.

"The introduction of this additional 13% extra charge is a serious challenge and a trial for the customs service as a controlling body," he said at a press conference in Kyiv on Wednesday.

Makarenko said that the Ukrainian customs service understands that some importers would use shady schemes and take to smuggling to save money.

Makarenko said that taking into account this danger, the customs service is drawing up a set of measures to prevent such practices.