Vitebsk Customs increased state treasury revenues by 30%, mainly due to an increase in the volume of goods cleared
— The activity of the customs service is an effective mechanism for replenishing the country's budget. At the same time, it is one of the key elements of the state's economic security and combating cross-border crime. Specifically speaking about us, we also contribute to the development of foreign economic activity and the business environment in the Vitebsk region, — said **Pavel Lobachev, Head of the Vitebsk Customs**. — A significant increase in treasury receipts occurred due to the increase in goods processed by us. Among the payments made, export duties on oil and petroleum products prevail, accounting for about 80% of the total amount, as well as value added tax and import duties.
In 2018, over 223 thousand cargo and 266 thousand passenger cars, and about 935 thousand individuals crossed the border in the region. The number of submitted declarations increased by 13.7%, with over 81% of goods exported from the EAEU processed in less than 5 minutes, and 78% of imported goods processed in less than 2 hours. Almost all of them were declared electronically.
— This indicates transit attractiveness and the creation of comfortable conditions for doing business, our successful work within the framework of updated customs legislation and the entry into force of the EAEU Customs Code, — reported Pavel Anatolyevich. — We also performed well in terms of suppressing offenses — 23% more were detected than in 2017. About 3 thousand administrative offense cases and 24 criminal cases were initiated. Among the items most frequently attempted to be smuggled were new clothing disguised as used items, food products, car parts, flowers, perfumes, art objects, cold weapons, and drugs.
To keep up with the times, improve efficiency and promptness, and eradicate corruption within their ranks, customs officers are implementing the internet and the latest technology into their activities.
An inspection and screening complex has appeared at the Grigorovshchina checkpoint in Verkhnedvinsk. It allows scanning any cargo and obtaining images of transported goods without opening the vehicle, detecting items concealed from customs control. In 2018, over 14.5 thousand inspections were carried out using the complex, with violations detected in every fifth case. The economic feasibility of its operation is 50 rubles of income per 1 ruble of costs.
— I wish all customs officers success in their challenging work of protecting the economic interests of Belarus, — noted Pavel Anatolyevich. — May the work to which you dedicate your strength, experience, and knowledge bring joy and new professional achievements!
More than 7% of goods placed under the customs transit procedure and destined for Belarusian importers were released by the Vitebsk customs in automatic mode, i.e., without the involvement of inspectors.