The customs value of goods imported into Azerbaijan will now be declared in the national currency. The relevant law, adopted on June 19 in connection with amendments to the Customs Code, came into force on September 3.
It should be noted that the customs value of goods is determined by the person making the declaration, in accordance with the Customs Code and the Law "On Customs Tariff". The person determining the value of goods for customs purposes must retain documents and information related to their declaration for three years, and, upon request from customs authorities, submit these documents and information for verification of the accuracy of the declared customs value.
Recall that this draft law was first presented on April 29 at a meeting of the Milli Majlis Committee on Economic Policy, Industry, and Entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the meeting, Chairman of the State Customs Committee Shahin Bagirov stated that among the main goals of the project are the further development of Azerbaijan's transit potential, the promotion of the institution of reliable partnership, the expansion of simplifications in customs operations, and the application of modern and flexible approaches in customs control.
Speaking about innovations related to the development of transit potential, he emphasized the importance of applying the principle of "single electronic declaration" in multimodal transport. It was noted that innovations such as integration into international transit systems and digitalization of transit operations will also serve to further strengthen Azerbaijan's position as a transit country.
Information was also presented on expanding the scope of the Authorized Economic Operator status and improving the institution of customs representation. Among the proposed innovations related to simplifying customs operations, the digitalization of administrative acts, the expansion of electronic document flow, and the application of the concept of Trade Facilitation Centers were particularly highlighted. It was emphasized that these changes will strengthen the legitimacy of administrative processes, reduce the administrative burden on business entities, and create a more favorable legal environment.
It was noted that the development of a separate procedure for implementing forms of customs control, as well as the inclusion in these rules of requirements for proportionality, justification, documentation, video recording, and appeal mechanisms, serve to ensure human rights and freedoms.