Confiscated items and fines improved the performance of the customs

According to the experts of the service to combat smuggling and customs violations of the Chop customs, the changes in customs legislation, which has been in force for a year and which decriminalized the so-called commodity smuggling, increased the level of financial responsibility for offenses. In particular, for import or export of goods concealed from customs inspection.

Such unlawful acts are punishable by a fine in the amount of 100 percent of their cost and mandatory confiscation. And also, confiscation of vehicles used for transporting goods across the customs border of Ukraine. In case of violation, the court makes an administrative decision, the goods are confiscated, and the offender is fined. 

Over 2012, Chop customs officers recorded 310 cases of violation of customs rules worth 43.4 million hryvnias, which featured the goods concealed from customs inspection. Under 125 cases of customs rules violation, 11.1 million hryvnias worth of vehicles have been seized. By court decisions in 187 cases, initiated by customs, 13.3 million hryvnias worth of illegal goods have been confiscated to the state. 3.2 million hryvnias worth of vehicles used specifically for illicit traffic and harboring various subjects have been seized from border violators.  

Since the beginning of 2013, Chop customs officers recorded 487 cases of violation of customs rules worth over 9 million hryvnias. Under 16 cases of customs rules violation, 2.1 million hryvnias worth of vehicles have been seized. By court decisions, 674,000 UAH worth of vehicles used for illicit traffic and harboring various subjects have been seized from border violators.

 In 2012, customs officers drew up 47 protocols on customs rules violation for the illegal transportation of arms, ammunition and other special equipment, initiated 436 cases regarding narcotics and psychotropic substances. 

As of 2/19/13, Chop customs officers have drawn up 21 protocols on customs rules violation for the illegal transportation of drugs and psychotropic substances, initiated 2 cases regarding weapons, ammunition and other special equipment.    

Last year, 16 criminal cases on smuggling in the amount of 4.8 million hryvnias were initiated. Also, 2805 protocols on violation of customs regulations in the amount of 64 million hryvnias were drawn up.  

So, last year’s innovations have substantially increased the revenue at the expense of confiscated goods and fines.