Ukraine

Ukraine customs get tougher

Customs clearance problems in Ukrainian ports have resulted in considerable losses due to the incorrect completion of customs declarations and documents, particularly with regards to ship's stores and medicines kept onboard.

In accordance with Ukrainian customs law, the authorities are entitled to inspect all compartments of the vessel at anytime during its stay in port. If undeclared items are found, Ukrainian customs regulations provide for penalties including fines and confiscation of the objects. Fines are usually in the range of US$1,600 to 3,200, though penalties can be set at the cost of the undeclared item.

Everything needs to be declared

Fines have been imposed for non-declaration of minor quantities of oil, sand, paint and once even a spare gyrosphere from a gyrocompass was confiscated.

In a number of cases customs officers have launched vigorous investigations into the matter. These have involved the interrogation of all crewmembers in order to determine whether the failure to declare items was deliberate and whether a charge of smuggling can be brought against the vessel. This level of intense scrutiny can result in severe delays to the vessel and serious sanctions being imposed on the master.

Masters must pay special attention to filling in of customs declarations and to declare thoroughly all ship's stores, medicines, drugs and spare parts.