Putin confirmed that several control mechanisms on the border will be abolished and that the country will join the International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonisation of Customs Procedures, a government press release informs.
Talking to his cabinet ministers, Putin said directed strong criticism against the customs authorities.
-I have to say this openly: we are all well known with the fact that the quality of its work [the Customs] is met with serious criticism from people engaged in foreign trade, he said.
A new customs bill, elaborated jointly by the Foreign Ministry and the Russian Customs, proposes to cut the number of federal authorities operating at the border and organize all the remaining structures under the Customs. In addition, a “one-window” principle will be pursued, which will help raise efficiency.
The prime minister said that the reforms will help introduce modern standards which will be favorable both for ordinary people and for business.
The customs modernization plans announced by Putin match Russia’s bid to join the World Trade Organization, a trade club which requires special regulations on international trade and customs handling. As reported previously, Russia is expected to join the WTO by the end of this year.
