On June 9, 2010 the meeting with representatives of the customs administration took place. The meeting was organized by the St. Petersburg International Business Association (SPIBA) and the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce. The Head of North-west customs could not come and had delegated his responsibilities to Mikhail Gorelkin, Chief Inspector of the Department of Customs Procedures and Control and Anna Ershova, Chief Inspector, Department of Coordination and implementation of Risk Management Systems.
The meeting became the first attempt to establish effective communication between customs and business representatives. The effectiveness of this communication means to find solutions together.
Discussion once again showed that there are problems, and, one cannot expect them to be solved quickly. Customs is currently in a crisis situation related to the reforms that are currently taking place in it.
Participants discussed the following issues:
• Reasons for and consequences of customs posts elimination;
• Reorganization of the Baltic and St. Petersburg Customs;
• Redistribution of customs posts between the Baltic and St. Petersburg customs;
• Problems faced by companies in customs clearance;
• Changes associated with the Customs Union formation from 1 July 2010;
• Efficiency of creation and operation technology of customs “dry ports”.
The representative of Customs, Anna Ershova, stressed that with the help of such meetings it becomes easier to work for both parties. While discussing and summarizing the issues, companies can significantly reduce time for processing, and find the adoption of the most adequate solutions.
During the meeting participants endorsed the following proposals:
1. To create a working group on customs
2. To meet on a regular basis
3. To invite to the working group representatives of Customs and CEO of CASTO Petrov I.V., who has many years experience in SZTU.
4. SPIBA is to participate in the Advisory Council on Customs Policy at SZTU.
5. To come up with these issues at the federal level with AEB participation.
6. To coordinate our activity with other organizations, such as the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and LOTPP.
We appeal to all members of the Association with a proposal to enter the initiative working group on customs. Please, send us your questions and proposals regarding customs.