Customs Platform 2026: Consolidating efforts of the Government, business and international partners for Ukraine’s European integration

European integration reforms remain an unconditional priority for the Government, in particular the Ministry of Finance, as well as the relevant parliamentary committee. A key focus is the modernisation of customs to prepare both the state and businesses to operate under EU rules from day one of membership. This was emphasised by the Minister of Finance of Ukraine Sergii Marchenko during the high-level strategic session of the event “Customs Platform 2026: The AEO and NCTS as tools for European integration” on March 19, 2026.

“The European Commission has for the third consecutive year highly assessed the dynamics of our reforms. Chapter 29 ‘Customs Union’ consistently receives one of the highest ratings, and the level of implementation of commitments in the customs area has already reached 96%. This is the result of systematic work on legislative harmonisation and the development of digital customs compatible with EU systems. We are creating conditions under which Ukrainian businesses will be able to fully benefit from the European Single Market,” Sergii Marchenko stressed, expressing gratitude for cooperation to the State Customs Service, as well as to international partners – the European Commission, the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine, the EU4PFM programme and the Reform Support Team at the Ministry of Finance.

The high-level strategic session was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Taras Kachka, Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance, Taxation and Customs Policy Danylo Hetmantsev, Acting Head of the State Customs Service Serhii Zviahintsev. The European Commission was represented by Matthias Petschke, Director Customs, DG TAXUD.

The Minister of Finance focused in detail on practical tools for integrating Ukrainian customs into the EU customs area. He noted that the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, which has marked its fifth anniversary, demonstrates positive dynamics: currently, 117 companies have obtained this status. He encouraged businesses to more actively apply for AEO-B authorisations (security and safety), as this will enable the conclusion of the Agreement on mutual recognition of AEO statuses with the EU.

Another important element of the reform is the system of customs simplifications: nearly 300 companies have received more than 1,100 authorisations for simplifications, including transit simplifications.

Particular attention was paid to the operation of the “customs visa-free regime” for business (NCTS). Sergii Marchenko noted that since Ukraine’s accession to the Convention on a Common Transit Procedure in October 2022, nearly 280,000 declarations have been processed in Ukraine, with a monthly figure reaching 15,000.

Regarding next steps, Sergii Marchenko stated that the draft of the new Customs Code of Ukraine is expected to be finalised by the end of March. The draft has received an overall positive assessment from the European Commission. In addition, since September 2025, active consultations have been ongoing with civil society organisations and business associations regarding the text of the draft (more than 60 meetings have been held). Following Government approval, the document will be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada.

Participants of the strategic session discussed the role of customs transformations in preparing Ukraine for EU membership. Particular attention was paid to the adaptation of legislation to EU acquis, institutional development of the customs system, and practical implementation of the adopted reforms.

Representatives of Ukrainian public authorities, EU institutions, international expert programmes, including EU4PFM, and business communities took part in the panel discussions, sharing their experience in leveraging European cooperation instruments between business and customs – the “customs visa-free regime” (NCTS), the AEO institution and other authorisations.

Participants emphasised the importance of timely development of secondary legislation, further development of customs IT systems, and awareness-raising and preparation of businesses for upcoming changes in customs legislation.

It is important to note that entrepreneurs, business representatives and the public also had the opportunity to join the event online and pose questions to the speakers.

In closing, International Key Expert on Customs at EU4PFM Vytenis Ališauskas summarized that the role of European customs is evolving—from merely collecting duties to facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring security. He emphasised that Ukraine’s implementation of paperless processes and IT systems aligned with EU standards will ensure the speed and transparency of customs procedures required for accession to the EU Customs Union.

The Customs Platform is a professional discussion platform that brings together representatives of public authorities, business and international partners to discuss key issues of customs policy development and Ukraine’s integration into the EU customs area. The first Customs Platform took place in 2022 and was dedicated to the launch of the “customs visa-free regime” (NCTS) for businesses in Ukraine.