'Visa-free customs system' to be created for Ukraine as early as in 2022 - PM Shmyhal

MOSCOW. Aug 26 (Interfax) - "A visa-free customs system" will be created for Ukraine as early as in 2023, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said.

"Ukraine will get the access to 'the visa-free customs system' already this year! The Joint Committee of the conventions on a common transit procedure and simplification of formalities decided yesterday to formally invite Ukraine to join in on October 1. Ukraine will thus become the 36th member state of these conventions," the Ukrainian media quoted Shmyhal as saying on a social network.

"The visa-free customs system" implies prompt transportation of goods between countries in the European region, fewer customs formalities, fewer chances of abuse, and data exchange with customs of the neighbors in a practically real-time mode, he said.

"The visa-free customs system" is also a key area of building a convenient and transparent customs service in Ukraine, Shmyhal said.

"An electronic queue project is being implemented at the border, and joint checkpoints with European neighbors to provide modern service zones at all checkpoints are being worked on. Besides, digitalization, including convenient customs clearance of vehicles via Diia, has been given the central role in the transformation of the customs," he said.