Customs representation is being institutionalized again, the concept of “customs broker” is being replaced by “indirect customs representation”, a registry will be created, direct customs representation will be introduced, and the license requirement for this field will be abolished.
elchi reports that this is reflected in the proposed amendment to the Customs Code, which will be submitted for discussion at the Milli Majlis meeting held on May 1.
According to the project, the concept of “customs broker” is replaced by “indirect customs representation”. While the activity of a customs broker was carried out based on a license, being included in the relevant registry is a prerequisite for becoming an “indirect customs representative”. Posting the “indirect customs representative” registry on the customs authority’s website will increase the ability of foreign trade participants to use this professional service and will serve to form service and a competitive environment in this field. Indirect customs representation regarding the import, export, or transit of goods and vehicles into the customs territory will be carried out by legal entities. When carrying out customs control and customs clearance, the indirect customs representative will perform all the duties of the person independently crossing the customs border with goods and will bear the same responsibility. During customs control and customs clearance, the customs declaration and other customs documents will be submitted to the customs authority in electronic form by the legal entity carrying out indirect customs representation as the declarant.
According to the project, direct customs representation will be carried out by individuals based on a power of attorney issued by the person being represented, which will create additional opportunities for foreign trade participants. Currently, legal entities that have obtained a license to carry out customs carrier activities can be customs carriers. The proposed amendment involves simplifying the requirements for this carrier, expanding the circle of persons who can be carriers, and abolishing the license. Thus, carriers can be legal entities and individuals engaged in entrepreneurship that carry out the transportation of goods and vehicles under customs control, and the activity of the relevant body will consist of publishing the lists of these carriers, posting them on the official website, and ensuring the constant updating of data. Publishing the list of carriers and posting it on the official website of the customs authority will make carriers accessible to foreign trade participants, and on the other hand, the registration and electronic history of persons performing this service will be formed.
A customs fee in the amount determined by the relevant executive authority will be charged for the issuance of a qualification certificate to specialists in customs clearance.