Source: https://boi.org.ua/en/recommendations/
Timestamp: 2019-02-21 06:29:54
Document Index: 307235070

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 1', 'art 2', 'Art. 21', 'Art. 12', 'art 1', 'Art. 2', 'art 1']

To develop a draft law on introducing amendments to the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses of Ukraine by supplementing Chapter 12 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses of Ukraine ("Administrative Offenses in the Areas of Trade, Public Catering, Services, Finance and Entrepreneurship") with an article to govern administrative liability of officers (officials) of customs authorities for violation of customs legislation, as well as to grant the power to issue protocols on such violations to the central executive authority tasked to implement the state regulatory policy, the policy on supervision (control) in the field of business activity, licensing and permit system in the field of business activity, as well as deregulation of business activity.
To develop and publish guidelines on procedures for declaring and controlling accuracy of customs value’s determination, including specification of the main stages of interaction between declarant and customs authority, as well as their rights and obligations (following the model employed in the UK Notice 252). Such an interpretation should be posted on the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine website or other official public sources.
To develop and adopt an order, which would enable customs authorities and declarants to exchange documents issued in an electronic form (i.e., certified by declarants’ or authorized representatives’ electronic digital signature) with scanned copies of corresponding originals (if requested by customs authorities or provided by declarants’ on their own initiative) attached thereto.
To prepare governmental draft Law of Ukraine introducing the following amendments to the Customs Code of Ukraine:
1.1. To supplement Paragraph 7 of Article 55 of the Customs Code of Ukraine to ensure that the general rule stating that validity period of guarantees issued by guarantors pursuant to Section X of the Customs Code of Ukraine “…shall not exceed 90 calendar days as of the date of the goods’ release” would not apply to financial guarantees issued in the form of a document.
1.2. To supplement Article 312 of the Customs Code of Ukraine with the provision stating that the validity period of a financial guarantee issued in the form of a document shall not exceed 365 calendar days after release of goods, provided that within 120 calendar days, following adoption of decision on customs value’s adjustment, a declarant would notify customs authority about its disagreement with such a decision.
1.3. To amend Article 314 of the Customs Code of Ukraine in order to harmonize eligibility criteria for parties entitled to grant financial guarantees to secure payment of customs duties with the current European practices (particularly taking into account provisions of Article 27 and Article 28 of the Convention on a Common Transit Procedure EU/EFTA).
To introduce amendments to the Procedure for Refund of Advance Payments (Prepayment) and Erroneously and/or Excessively Paid Amounts of Customs Duties, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine dated July 18, 2017 No. 643, which would enable a declarant to attach to the application for refund of erroneously and/or excessively paid customs duties amounts a court decision rendering illicit or acknowledging unlawful decision or actions at the part of SFS authorities that led to (resulted in, caused) erroneous and/or excessive payment of customs duties (i.e., as an alternative to enforcement letter issued by a court and/or a court decision authorizing refund of certain amount of customs duties).
To update the Explanation Letter, dated August 4, 2016 № 26593/7/ 99-99-19-01-01-17 or issue a new one or methodical recommendations for the customs to clarify the procedure for enforcing court decisions as well as decisions adopted within the framework of the administrative appeal procedure, approved in declarant’s favor. Due attention should be paid to the need to take into account not only the operative but also the reasoning part of the court decisions on the merits of the dispute. If a court decision were to find decision or action of the customs authority that led to (resulted in, caused) payment of excessive amount of customs duties as being erroneous or false – to state that such a language constitutes sufficient ground to proceed with the refund of overpaid sums of customs duties without initiating an additional judicial procedure.
To ensure creation of a public electronic register of decisions on classification of goods, similar to practice employed in the EU. In the Council’s view, not only decisions adopted by customs authorities during customs clearance should be entered into such a registry, but also those ones adopted by the State Fiscal Service authorities during documentary inspections and (for the sake of comprehensiveness of registry information) court decisions adjudicating correctness of the classification of goods.
To issue Methodological Recommendations to ensure proper consideration by customs authorities of the existing case law on classification according to the relevant Ukrainian Classification of Goods for Foreign Economic Activity codes. Among other things such a document would have to establish that while conducting classification of goods under UCGFEA having the same, identical or similar characteristics, due attention should be paid to practice generated by both domestic courts as well as by the European Court of Justice.
To prepare governmental Draft Law of Ukraine introducing amendments to Chapter 11 "Liability" of Section II “Administering Taxes, Duties, Payments" of the Tax Code of Ukraine and Chapter 67 "General Provisions on Customs Offence and Liability for Them" of Section XVIII “Customs Offence and Liability” of the Customs Code of Ukraine to eliminate the possibility of bringing individuals to liability if assignment of incorrect Ukrainian Classification of Goods for Foreign Economic Activity code resulted from actions conducted in good faith.
To prepare and conduct educational training programs for the personnel of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine on reasoning decisions on classification of goods by using examples from the practice of the European Court of Justice. Such trainings should be public (to the extent possible) to disseminate a uniform understanding of issues pertaining to classification of goods.
To prepare text of the governmental Draft Law of Ukraine on introducing amendments to Sections XVIII “Customs Offences and Liability" and XIX "Customs Offence Proceedings" of the CCU (or setting forth these sections in the new wording) aimed at ensuring balance, commensurability and fairness of liability for customs infringements, taking into account best practices employed in the EU, in particular, Proposal for a Directive No. 2013/0432/COD (draft). In particular, such Draft Law should provide for/contain:
a) financial liability for legal entities that infringed customs rules during their business activity, - to be introduced as an alternative to administrative liability of their officials (or with a significant softening of the latter);
b) reference to a specific form of guilt (intention or negligence) as a mandatory element of each administrative offence;
c) sufficiently specified list of aggravating and attenuating circumstances (including, inter alia, status of Empowered economic operator; level of cooperation with the customs authority demonstrated in course of customs infringement’s investigation, etc.);
d) lower and upper liability thresholds (in the form of the amounts of fines) for each article to make it possible to vary amount of fines depending on the circumstances of the case;
e) amounts of fines for infringing customs rules (which are established depending on the value of goods) to be brought in line with the indicative figures, specified in the Proposal for a Directive No. 2013/0432/COD (draft).
To elaborate and approve Inter-Agency Instruction on interaction of customs and law enforcement authorities. Such a document should, among other things, regulate (1) time limits for customs clearance, including liability (sanctions) for failure to observe such time limits; (2) restrictions with respect to the number of actions aimed at retrieving samples of the declarant’s goods; (3) communication between customs and law enforcement agencies in the course of such interaction.
To develop and approve the mechanism for implementing the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 479 “On Realization of Experimental Project Aimed at Creating Conditions Making It Impossible to Avoid Paying Customs Duties and Fees”, dated June 20, 2018 to ensure compliance with (1) Articles 338 and 558 of the Customs Code of Ukraine; (2) the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No.467, dated May 23, 2012 “On Approval of the Exhaustive List of Grounds, Whose Existence is Required to Carry Out Examination (Re-Examination) of Goods, Commercial Transportation Vehicles by Fiscal Authorities of Ukraine”; as well as (3) the Order of the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine No.1316, dated December 12, 2012 “On Approval of the Procedure of Carrying Out Examination and Re-Examination of Goods, Commercial Transportation Vehicles”.
Recommendation is no longer relevant
In order to (1) place actions substantially similar to search outside the scope of customs examination procedure; and (2) narrow down powers of the law enforcers to demand from customs authorities carrying out such actions, - prepare governmental draft law on introducing amendments to Paragraph 2 Article 325 of the Customs Code of Ukraine to explicitly state that law enforcement authorities are not entitled to demand from persons that are transferring goods, commercial transportation vehicles through customs border of Ukraine carrying out operations, foreseen in paragraph one of this article (i.e., loading, unloading, reloading, fixing damaged packaging, unpacking, packing, re-packing, weighting along with the determination of other substantial characteristics of goods subjected to customs clearance, including taking samples of such goods, replacement of identification signs or marks on such goods or packaging thereto, commercial transportation vehicles as well as replacement of commercial transportation vehicles). Yet, such powers of the fiscal authorities shall remain in the effective wording of this article
To prepare amendments to the existing Draft Law of Ukraine No.4614 dated 06.05.2016 “On Introducing Amendments to the Customs Code of Ukraine to Ensure Protection of Intellectual Property Rights While Moving Goods Across Customs Border of Ukraine” No.4614 dated 06.05.2016; or to introduce an alternative draft law to ensure implementation in Ukraine of the requirements set forth in (i) Regulation (EC) No 608/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council regarding customs enforcement of intellectual property rights; as well as (ii) Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 1352/2013 establishing the forms provided for in Regulation (EU) No 608/2013, in particular:1.1.To bring the concept "goods infringing Intellectual Property Rights" in line with EU requirements, including exclusion of goods that are objects of so-called "parallel trade” from the substantial scope of this concept (in accordance with Clauses 3-5 of Article 1 of Regulation No. 608/2013);1.2.To set forth clear procedural terms, unified with European Union requirements, applicable within the procedure for suspending customs clearance of goods suspected of infringing IPR (as stipulated by Articles 3, 7, 9, 11-12, 17-18, 23, 26 of the Regulation No.608/2013);1.3.To improve the regulation of the procedure for destruction of goods, whose customs clearance has been suspended on suspicion of violating IPR, including laying down the "tacit consent” principle for their destruction in the absence of objections from a declarant or owner of goods; establishing a simplified procedure for the destruction of goods containing in small consignments (according to Articles 25 – 26 of Regulation No. 608/2013);1.4.To approve unified IPR protection measures related forms in accordance with European Union standards (as prescribed by Regulation No.1352/2013).
To implement Clauses 15.3 - 15.9 of the European Union Customs Blueprints, - in particular, to create a central IPR unit as a center of operational expertise under the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine.
To ensure existence of effective legal framework on governing mechanism of authorized economic operators, which would be consistent with the relevant European Union legislation, - to ensure prompt adoption of the Draft Law of Ukraine No.7473, whose provisions would, inter alia, foresee:1.1.Grounds for extension (or suspension) of 120-day time period for conducting assessment of compliance with Authorized Economic Operator eligibility criteria to enable requesting from a candidate (and corresponding disclosure) of additional documents and information - for instance, when additional information is required to ensure a comprehensive compliance assessment, whose disclosure requires significant time.1.2.That existence of a pre-trial investigation in a criminal proceeding should not, by itself, constitute a self-sufficient ground for suspending Authorized Economic Operator status (contrary to what was envisaged by the Draft Law of Ukraine No.4777).1.3.That while contemplating revocation of Authorized Economic Operator status due to infringement of customs rules, it is mandatory to ascertain existence of connection between the amount of losses (losses of the State/unpaid taxes resulting from such infringements) and total invoice value of goods that were moved by an entity across customs border of Ukraine during period of time employed by customs administration for conducting such a comparison.
To adopt a secondary legislative act (in the form of an order), which would establish the possibility and necessity (at least for the first two or three years while Authorized Economic Operator mechanism is being put into operation) to engage foreign specialists to train local personnel and actually conduct audits, required for granting Authorized Economic Operator status.
To ensure openness of data about average time required for release of goods, taking into account methodology contained in the "Time Release Study" document of the World Customs Organization. The relevant data can be regularly published at the official website of the SFS of Ukraine. Along with the publication of this data, an interactive survey of companies should be carried out in terms of such data’s authenticity/acknowledgement.
To introduce a transparent system for evaluating the effectiveness of post-clearance audit of companies; based on which risk criteria for operations and/or enterprises should be continuously updated. The relevant statistics should be disclosed and provided on a regular basis (on quarterly and annual basis), according to the following indicators:i.the number of carried out audits; ii.total amounts of additionally imposed charges with a separate indication of the amount of so-called “agreed obligations”;iii.percentage correlation between the total number of inspections and audits where an additional charge was imposed in the amount exceeding certain indicator (this indicator may be set as a fixed UAH amount or as a percentage of the total amount of operations of the company that became the subject of an audit). The introduction of the relevant indicator will enable systemic assessment of post-clearance audit effectiveness, preventing small amounts from distorting overall figures;iv.percentage of audits (amongst the total number of inspections) where customs declarations were checked without physical examination of goods and/or seeking disclosure of additional documents and/or issuing decisions on classification of goods and/or adjustments of customs value;v.percentage of customs declarations whose clearance involved employing customs control measures in the form of physical inspection of goods and/or request for additional documents, making decisions regarding classification of goods and/or adjustments of customs value;vi.financial indicators demonstrating outcomes of customs control measures in the form of physical inspection of goods and/or request for additional documents, making decisions regarding classification of goods and/or adjustment of the customs value;vii.the number of cases launched for infringing customs rules;viii.the total amount of sanctions imposed to customs rules infringers following consideration of cases on infringement of customs rules;ix.percentage correlation between the total number of cases on customs rules infringement and cases where sanctions were imposed on infringers.
In order to control the declared customs value, ensure functioning of the system of interaction between fiscal authority and a declarant, where all information exchange will be carried out in electronic form. It appears it might be achieved by introducing changes to the respective software of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine.
To ensure a gradual switch of customs value control from customs clearance to post-clearance audit stage, save when fiscal authority has reasonable doubts (to be justified by the respective criteria) about ability to collect amounts of additionally imposed charges in the future. For instance, use of risk-oriented system based on score-ranking method is advisable vis-à-vis entities incorporated shortly before customs clearance, where managers/owners have changed or have been brought to criminal or administrative liability. It appears that initially such a switch of control could be determined in methodological recommendations (letters) issued by the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine and/or the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine followed by introducing respective amendments to the Customs Code of Ukraine.
To update software employed for communication between the State and declarants. Based on successful examples of other countries – to ensure functioning of a single, up-to-date online system that would maximize automation of relevant iterations, simplify declaring procedures and ensure transparency.
To propose amendments to the Law “On State Supervision (Control)” that would envisage having an exhaustive and mandatory list of control bodies. The amendments should stipulate that in dealing with a body not included on the list, a business entity would have the right not to allow representatives of such body to carry out any inspections.To ensure that any changes in this list would only be possible in the course of the legislative process if corresponding changes are made in the relevant laws on control bodies.
To set a clear timetable for control bodies to introduce a risk-oriented approach to the exercise of control, namely:-To develop or to align the criteria for assessing the risk of business activity and determining the frequency of scheduled inspections;-To develop or to align the standard forms of reports to be prepared following scheduled (unscheduled) control measures, which would include comprehensive checklists depending on the risk level.
To set clear deadlines for the alignment of regulations of the control bodies with the Law of Ukraine "On Basic Principles of the State Supervision (Control) in the Sphere of Economic Activity" and the CMU Resolution No.752 To propose amendments to legislation that would not allow the control bodies that have not implemented the risk-oriented approach to enter the information into the IAS and, accordingly, to conduct inspections;To enhance disciplinary liability for heads of control bodies for non-compliance with the law, in particular the failure to implement the risk-oriented approach;To ensure the development of checklists for each supervisory authority with issues which can be checked during scheduled inspections.
To continue monitoring the progress made by the state control bodies in bringing their legal acts in compliance with the Law "On State Supervision (Control)" and the CMU Resolution No.752.
To continue the development of the IAS and to ensure its installation and commissioning in accordance with the current legislation by the end of 2018.
— comments: A technical task for the development of the IAS has already been approved. In the near future, an announcement of the tender is planned to be made.
To propose amendments to applicable laws which would:-define the powers of control body officials to enter data into the IAS;-enhance personal liability of officials for entering false and/or untimely entry of information into the IAS.
To ensure the population of the IAS with information and its full operation.
To consider standardization of documents that the SRS issues in cases of violations by control bodies, licensing and permitting authorities.
To prepare amendments to the legislation on the licensing and permit system to eliminate conflicting provisions regarding the liability of officials of such authorities (including heads of control bodies) for failure to execute the SRS orders. In particular, these amendments should focus on eliminating violations in the following areas:-revocation of licenses;- registration of declarations of conformity of material and technical facilities with the law;-deadlines for submission of conclusions and results of examinations, surveys, and other scientific and technical assessments required for the issuance of a permit.
To prepare amendments to the legislation that will enhance personal disciplinary liability of control bodies' officials by expanding the range of subjects authorized to initiate disciplinary proceedings (part 1 of Article 68 of the Law of Ukraine "On Civil Service"), including by giving business entities the right to directly initiate this procedure against officials of control bodies.
To draft amendments to the current legislation, particularly:-Article 5 of the Law of Ukraine "On the Licensing of Certain Types of Economic Activities" should be amended by introduction of legally binding deadlines for implementation of SRS’s orders based on decisions of Expert Appeal Council.-in Article 1 of the Law of Ukraine "On the Permit System in the Sphere of Economic Activity" a broader definition of the "permitting document" should be added, including declarations;it should also be allowed to issue permits in other than electronic form (i.e. on paper). amend Article 166-10 of the CAO regarding the establishment of liability of heads of control bodies for violations identified by the SRS when conducting control measures.
To finish drafting regulations governing the decentralization of government powers in all branches and spheres providing administrative and social services, and clearly identify the functions of local executive bodies and LGAs at all levels in terms of providing such services.
— comments: A number of laws have been adopted , the provisions of which regulates the issue of delegating powers from executive to local authorities, in particular, powers in the field of architectural and construction supervision (control) and improvement of urban planning legislation; provision of an administrative service for issuance of permits and provision of administrative services through the ASCs (Administrative Services Centers).
To draft and institute state quality standards and norms for administrative, social and other public services in the relevant spheres.
To continue setting up ASCs. To improve the quality and level of administrative services being provided, the Regional Development Ministry should, in coordination with other CEBs, ensure that consultative, expert, methodological and other support is provided to unified territorial communities so that they can set up and organize operations to provide administrative services in these centers.
— comments: As of 7 March 2018, 746 ASCs were created. Within the framework of the "U-LEAD with Europe" program, support is provided for creation and improvement of up to 600 ASCs by the end of 2020, including information and communication infrastructure creation.
To organize professional development programs for officials in LGAs, local council deputies, and civil servants at LEBs to improve personnel quality for the decentralization process and the future functioning of local executive bodies and LGAs so that they can properly exercise their new powers; engage relevant state institutions, associations of local governments and civil society institutions in this process.
— comments: The Ministry of Regional Development, Construction and Residential Services with the assistance of foreign partners (DESPRO, GIZ, UNDP, Dialog, U-LEAD, etc.), is carrying out measures to provide methodological and practical assistance to local authorities. Methodological recommendations have been developed; training seminars, lecture courses, exchange of positive experience take place regularly.Methodological support on prevention of corruption is carried out for civil servants and local authorities by the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service together with the National Academy of Public Administration under the President of Ukraine. About 70 000 employees are training each year.
To establish a constitutional basis for regulating the devolution of power and simultaneously instituting state oversight of LGA decisions while continuing to work on amending the Constitution as necessary, via Draft Law No.2217а dated 1 July 2015 "On amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine (regarding decentralization of power)".
— comments: Status as of 10 December 2015 Committee's submission for review was presented. Pending review.
To adopt laws that remove legal gaps and foster voluntary unification of territorial communities (No.4772 dated 3 June 2016, and No.5520 dated 9 December 2016).
— comments: 1) The Law “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine (regarding Voluntary Joining of Territorial Communities)” has been adopted on 9 February 2017 (Draft Law No.4772).2) The Law “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine regarding Peculiarities of the Voluntary Joining of Territorial Communities Located on the Territories of the Adjoining Areas” has been adopted on 14 March 2017 (Draft Law No. 5520).
To adopt the Draft Law No.2489 "On serving in local government agencies" dated March 30, 2015, which defines the principles, legal and organizational basis for serving in local government agencies, regulates the status of LGA employees, and ensures comprehensive reforms of serving in LGAs, keeping in mind the staffing needs for decentralization.
To institute drafting transparent competitive procedures for selecting personnel to staff LGAs and the executive bodies of local governments, and formulating the necessary qualification requirements.
— comments: As of today, the outdated procedure for conducting a competition for filling vacancies of civil servants listed in the CMU Resolution No.169 dated 15 February 2002, is being followed.
To monitor and evaluate the work of local state administrations and their officials to ensure impartial oversight and greater effectiveness in public administration, in line with the new Law of Ukraine "On the civil service."
— comments: Monitoring and assessment of the of local state administrations and their officials activities is stipulated in the Draft Law "On Service in Local Self-Government Authorities" No.2489.The CMU Resolution No.987 dated 21 December 2011 "On Annual Reports of Heads of Oblast, Kyiv and Sevastopol City State Administrations" obliges the Heads of Oblast, Kyiv and Sevastopol City State Administrations to submit reports annually (by February 1) on exercising the assigned powers by the relevant state administrations as well as on the development status of the respective territory according to the established form.
— comments: Draft Law No.6636 dated 22 June 2017 "On the Procedure for Creation, Liquidation of Districts, Creation and Modification of Their Borders" is pending review. The Draft Law will solve duplication of powers problem
To support the Bill "On prefects," which give prefects the power to rescind any acts by local government agencies that violate the Constitution or Laws of Ukraine and simultaneously appeal to a court.
— comments: The Institute of Prefects will appear upon adoption of amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine (on decentralization) and, accordingly, after liquidation of the local state administrations.The Draft Law contains provisions according to which the prefect may rescind acts of a local self-government authority in whole or in part.
To recommend the Ministry of Justice draw up Guidelines to approve standard statutes for territorial communities and sample provisions on elders.
— comments: The Ministry of Justice informed that it was not empowered to develop methodological recommendations on the approval of the Standard statute of the territorial community and Sample Provisions on elders. Currently, there is a Standard Territorial Community Statute and Sample Provisions, developed under the USAID DIALOGUE Project, which is being implemented by Association of Ukrainian Cities.
To provide a mechanism for taking individuals working at local government agencies to court, for instance, by amending the Criminal Code and the Code on Administrative Violations to increase the liability of government personnel at the local level.
To join forces with all-Ukrainian associations of LGAs and similar organizations to provide LGAs and LEBs with guidelines for actually carrying out the process of unifying communities, with particular attention to the procedure for transferring contractual commitments.
— comments: The methodical recommendations were developed and newly elected united territorial communities were provided with the necessary informational materials.
The CEBs that were managing educational, cultural, research and medical institutions and organizations, should be required, in the process of transferring such properties to UTCs:To prepare a list of current liabilities related to assets on their balance and inform the unified territorial community about all such liabilities;To notify enterprises with whom service and other contracts have been made on behalf of such CEBs and institutions about their transfer to UTC ownership.
— comments: The Ministry of Regional Development, Construction and Residential Services conducted an analysis of the of educational, cultural, social protection, physical education and sports establishments functioning in the United Territorial Community for the development of common approaches to creating typical models of a single educational, cultural, physical culture, sports and social environment in different types of basic level administrative and territorial units
To regulate the issue of transferring the responsibilities and functions of the State Environmental Protection Administration in the procedure provided for in CMU Resolution No.1074 "On approving a Procedure for taking steps related to setting up, reorganizing or liquidating ministries and other central executive bodies," dated 20 October 2011.
— comments: In the case of executive authorities liquidation, including territorial ones, their rights and obligations in accordance with the CMU Resolution No.1074 dated 10 October 2011, shall be transferred to another executive authority.
To draft amendments to the Law of Ukraine "On protecting the atmosphere" to ensure that a list and document requirements for commercial entities seeking a stationary plant emissions permit are established in a special law.
— comments: The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources informed that the recommendation was taken into account by the MEDT. The Draft Law is aimed at improving procedures for issuing permits and establishing basic requirements in respective laws regulating issuance of permits, determined by the Laws of Ukraine "On Administrative Services" and "On Permit System in the Sphere of Economic Activities".
To draft amendments to Arts. 53-5 of the Code of Administrative Violations to increase the liability of government officials in proportion to the severity of their breaches, such as ignoring deadlines, both for approving land development documentation and for reviewing applications for permits to draw up land development plans.
To amend the Procedure for the transfer or lending of community-owned municipal land into use or ownership, approved by Kyiv City Council Decision No.63/9120 on 28 February 2013, so that it:- includes clear timeframes for LGAs to make a decision to agree or refuse to lease a plot of land;- provides timeframes within which LGAs must make a decision to accept or reject an application to extend a land lease agreement;- provides clear rules for LGAs and lessees to act in drawing up a land lease agreement or extending an existing lease, and timeframes for these actions.
— comments: Kyiv City State Administration adopted the Decision No.241/2463 dated 20 April 2017 "On Approval of the Procedure for Acquiring Rights to Land from Communal Property Lands in Kyiv", which, in particular, substantially simplified the procedure for provision of land plots for use, as well as established time frames and a clear actions algorithm of the lessor and the lessee.
To develop recommended guidelines for local government agencies regarding: compliance of land lease-related regulations adopted by local councils with Ukrainian law; the inclusion of clear rules for clear rules for the LGA and individuals interested in leasing a land plot or extending an existing lease to act, including clear timeframes for LGAs to make decisions to offer or not offer a land plot for lease, a list of required documents, publicly accessible texts of related regulations, and so on.
To prepare guidelines for damages to landowners and users to be determined by commissions set up by local state administrations and the executive committees of local councils and those of oblast-level cities.
To ensure the adoption of changes to CMU Resolution No.284 dated 19 April 1993, to establish: a clear and thorough list of circumstances for compensating damages to land owners and users; a regulated procedure for reviewing requests to establish the extent of damages; timeframes for reviewing requests to establish damages and making the necessary decision.
To make sure that the AMCU’s e that annual plans, prepared by the AMCU, clearly specify (i) the main priority areas of the AMCU’s activities for the forthcoming year; and, where relevant, (ii) markets that will be subjected to comprehensive studies.
— comments: Please see, in particular, the AMCU’s Annual Report for 2017 (approved by the AMCU’s Regulation dated 28 February 2018 No.5—рп). Furthermore, at the official AMCU’s website is indicated the Action plan on drafting regulatory acts for current year.
To adopt legislative amendments aimed at unleashing the AMCU's existing institutional capacity.
— comments: The relevant Draft Law No.6724 dated 14 July 2017 "On amending certain laws on protection of economic competition" has been adopted in the 1-st hearing on 9 November 2017.
The AMCU's advocacy activities has to be broadened by (i) strengthening cooperation with other government bodies; and (ii) improving existing practice of issuing practical recommendations based on the prior market studies performed by the AMCU.
— comments: The AMCU continues work aimed at improving cooperation with the state authorities, in particular by signing memorandums and holding public events (conferences).
To develop a roadmap aimed at implementing the NCDP Concept for 2014-2024 by the ministries and other state bodies.
— comments: Currently the AMCU is elaborating an Action plan focused on implementation of the National Concept on Competition Development in Ukraine for 2014-2024. The relevant draft shall be prepared and submitted to the CMU until the end of 2018.
To accelerate working relations between the AMCU and the state authorities (with the focus on sectoral regulators) by expanding the practice of entering into respective cooperation agreements/memorandums on competition-related issues.
— comments: The AMCU has signed memoranda on cooperation with the National Commission, which carries out state regulation in the fields of energy and utilities, the Ministry of Agricultural Policy and Food as well as with the State Service of Ukraine for food safety and consumer protection.
In order to facilitate effective exercise of powers vested with the AMCU in connection with anti-trust clearance of privatization transactions, ensure that not only the AMCU itself but also other authorities should play active role in eliminating some of the existing impediments. Hence, the Council recommends as follows:a) To specify the exact scope of duties to be borne by each institution involved into privatisation process (for instance, the SPF, sectoral regulators, etc.).b) To introduce transparent procedure for the exchange of information between the AMCU and the relevant bodies (including the SPF, the regulators managing the state enterprise, bidders, etc.) for the purpose of the AMCU’s transaction clearance. If such an approach were to be employed (for instance, between the AMCU and the SPF), this would help addressing allegation of the business that the SPF might provide inaccurate or incomplete information about the potential target.
— comments: On 18 January 2018 the VRU adopted the Law of Ukraine No.7066 "On privatization of state and municipal property (the Law No.7066"), which entered into force on 7 March 2018 and which, among other things, further specifies the powers of state authorities in the field of privatization.
To amend the Procedure of Notifying the AMCU for Prior Approval of Concentration of Undertakings to ensure that consideration of consent on concerted actions due to execution of non-competition agreement is conducted on the basis of simplified procedure, provided that receipt of concentration consent is already carried out on the basis of simplified procedure.
— comments: Currently, the AMCU is elaborating the draft law on amending the Law of Ukraine “On protection of economic competition” in respect of procedure for obtaining the prior approvals of concentrations.
To amend Article 52, para. 2, part 2 of the Competition Protection Law to ensure clear identification of parties liable for failure to notify about concentration.
To set clear deadlines for consideration (investigation) of cases on abuse of monopolistic (dominant) market position by introducing respective amendments into Chapter VII of the Competition Protection Law and/or Chapter VII of the Rules of Consideration of Applications and Cases on Violation of Legislation on Economic Competition, approved by the Resolution of the AMCU No.5, dated 19 April 1994 (hereinafter - the "Rules of Consideration of Applications on Violation of Competition Legislation").
— comments: The relevant Draft Law "On amending certain laws of Ukraine to ensure adherence with the principles of procedural justice and increasing the efficiency of proceedings in cases of violations of the legislation on the protection of economic competition" No.6746 dated 17 July 2017 has been adopted in the 1-st hearing on 9 November 2017.
To expressly provide that if an applicant were to withdraw its' application in a case on abuse of monopolistic (dominant) position, this shall not constitute the substantial ground for the AMCU to exercise its' procedural discretion to terminate consideration of a case. Hence, the respective amendments are proposed to be introduced to the Rules of Consideration of Applications on Violation of Competition Legislation. In the Council's view, it should allow minimizing the risk of possible pressure inflicted on an applicant by an undertakings occupying monopolistic (dominant) market position in whose relation the respective case has been launched.
— comments: Currently the AMCU does not uphold the BOC's recommendation.
To adjust the AMCU's internal decision making procedure to ensure that when rendering an initial decision on its' merits falls under the authority of the AMCU's Board of Commissioners, the adoption of such a decision shall require majority of the AMCU's composition established by law (i.e., 5 persons), save for the Commissioner who investigated the case. The latter, nonetheless, should remain to be involved into decision making process by being entitled to present results of investigation during the respective procedural hearing.
— comments: The recommendation is reflected in the Draft Law No.6746 (amendments to the Article 48 of the Law of Ukraine "On protection of economic competition").
The AMCU, prior to the adoption of the Methodology for calculating the amount of fines, to carry out monitoring of application of the existing Recommended Explanations and regularly (at least once per quarter) publicize information about its' practical application.
To adopt the Draft Law No.2431 in so far as it envisages existence of the Methodology for calculating amount of fines as binding legislative act.
— comments: The Draft Law “On amending the laws on protection of economic competition regarding determination by the AMCU’s bodies of the amount of fines for violation the legislation on the protection of economic competition” No.2431 dated 19 March 2015 has been forwarded for the repeated second hearing.On 16 June 2016, the table with revisions has been prepared.
To amend the Competition Protection Law to enable judicial challenge of the amount of fine imposed by the AMCU body, subject to existence of the Methodology for calculating the amount of fine for breach of competition laws, adopted in the form of legislative act, whose application is mandatory for both the AMCU and the bodies of judicial power.
To implement the practice of periodic aggregation and publication of the main substantial content of individual recommendations issued by the AMCU in the form of non-binding informational letters.
— comments: Currently, the AMCU publishes the content of individual recommendations, issued to the business entities.For instance, the AMCU publishes the Generalized Explanations in the sphere of state aid, completed following examination of the most common questions in respect of the Law of Ukraine “On State Aid to Undertakings”.
To introduce electronic database that would enable applicants to retrieve general information about the current status of consideration of requests/applications lodged with the AMCU, which is not confidential in nature.
— comments: Although the AMCU has generally supported the BOC"s recommendation, it emphasized the need to allocate additional funding in order to implement the recommendation.
To amend Article 40 of the Competition Protection Law in order to:a) set maximum time limits for (i) responding with further explanations and/or clarifications requested by the AMCU; and (ii) lodging objections by the parties that disagree with the AMCU’s interim procedural decisions in cases on mergers/ concerted actions;b) establish specific/maximum time limits for the AMCU’s consideration of requests on access to the case materials lodged by the parties;c) expressly enable interested parties to lodge requests with the AMCU to seek initiation of hearing on concentrations/concerted actions, with such requests being subject to the AMCU’s mandatory consideration and provision of grounded answer within reasonable time limits.
— comments: The AMCU will consider the possibility for implementation the aforesaid recommendation during preparation of the next set of amendments to legislation.
To reduce fines for parties other than the first one to file, thus making the existing leniency regime more inclusive.
To amend Article 18, para 10 of the Law of Ukraine "On Public Procurements" to enable complaining bidder or any other participant of the appeal procedure to submit additional documents related to the merits of the complaint.
— comments: The relevant amendments to the clause 10 of the Article 18 of the Law of Ukraine "On Public Procurements" is currently being drafted by the AMCU. It is planned that the MEDT would submit the foregoing draft with VRU in 2018.
Whereas public procurement procedures and non-judicial appeal procedure are documented in electronic form, - to ensure admissibility of evidence lodged with the Ukrainian courts in the form of electronic documents by either:a) amending Article 79, para 1 of the Administrative Procedural Code of Ukraine and relevant regulations governing circulation of electronic documents accordingly; or byb) amending Article 12, para 3 of the Law of Ukraine “On Public Procurements” along with relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedural Code of Ukraine on evidences, to provide administrative courts with the right to access electronic procurement system.
— comments: The clause 9 of the Article 79 of the Administrative Procedural Code of Ukraine recognizes admissibility of evidence submitted in electronic form.
To continue enhancing awareness amongst state and municipal authorities and business about the substance of the forthcoming legal framework on state aid and the general implications stemming therefrom.
— comments: In August 2017, the separate Department on State Aid was formed at the AMCU. The Department in particular, provides explanations on the implementation of state aid legislation to the undertakings. Furthermore, the AMCU permanently conducts the relevant public events (220 events in 2017).In addition, due to the numerous letters from central and local government agencies, on 5 October 2017, the AMCU issued an explanation on the implementation of the state aid legislation No.35-pp/dd, which provides answers to the most common issues regarding the implementation of legislation in the field of state aid.
To maintain active dialogue with both providers and beneficiaries of state aid to discuss existing and contemplated policy choices in the field.
— comments: With the enactment in full of the Law of Ukraine "On State Aid to Undertakings", the AMCU with the support of the EU International Technical Assistance Project in August 2017 prepared and implemented the Information and Analytical System "Register" (electronic platform). The "State Aid Portal" was created to collect information on current and new state aid, it contains a register of state aid, a register of decisions, a register of cases, etc. Using the portal, it is convenient to provide information on state aid.
To ensure that pending secondary legislation is both available and adequate from both procedural and substantial standpoint. In particular, to ensure compliance with Article 6 of the State Aid Law, the CMU shall adopt:a) Resolutions on provision of state aid in specific areas (i.e., regional development; support of small and medium business development; employees’ professional development; reorganization and restructuring of undertakings; development of certain branches of economy, etc.).
— comments: Nowadays, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved the majority of the Criteria for the admissibility of state aid:1) Criteria for assessment the admissibility of state aid to business entities for the training of employees (Resolution of the CMU dated 11 January 2018 No.11);2) Criteria for assessment the admissibility of state aid to business entities for the employment of certain categories of employees (Resolution of the CMU dated 31 January 2018 No.33); 3) Criteria for assessment the admissibility of state aid for restoring solvency and restructuring of business entities (Resolution of the CMU dated 31 January 2018 No.36);4) Criteria for assessment the admissibility of state aid to business entities to ensure the development of regions and support of medium and small businesses (Resolution of the CMU dated 7 February 2018); 5) Criteria for assessment the admissibility of state aid to business entities for carrying out scientific research, technical development and innovation activities (Resolution of the CMU dated 2 June 2018).Currently, the Criteria for the admissibility of state aid for the protection of the environment and for supporting coal industry are being drafted.
Methodology for calculating amount of state aid.
— comments: The draft document is currently being approved with the Energy Community, as requested by the Electricity Market Law.
Procedure for illicit state aid's recovery.
— comments: The CMU Resolution No.468 dated 4 July 2017.
To improve both scope and quality of information due to be received from aid providers the AMCU is recommended to intensify its' advocacy activities aimed at clarifying existing procedure for notifying AMCU about state aid, including, inter alia, by disseminating respective reporting templates.
— comments: Due to the numerous letters from central and local government agencies, on 5 October 2017, the AMCU issued an explanation on the implementation of the state aid legislation No.35-pp/dd, which provides answers to the most common issues regarding the implementation of legislation in the field of state aid.
To promptly start inventory of state aid Measures subject to availability of the relevant and properly tested material base (hardware and software).
To set up information and consultation centers at every one of its branch offices to provide assistance to developers, what is a key element in eliminating the risks of rejection when registering notices with minor “technical” errors on the part of the developer.
— comments: The recommendation was implemented by means of enabling advice with SACI specialists at the administrative service centers on a daily basis. More at the SACI website - http://www.dabi.gov.ua/otrymaty-konsultatsiyu/
To set up systematic internal oversight and penalize those employees who unreasonably hold up the issuing of permits to developers, as required by current law.
— comments: Regulation of the SACI, approved by the Resolution of the CMU No.294 dated 07 September 2014. (as amended by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No.408 dated 07 June 2017), was amended respectively.In accordance with subpara. 12 of para. 4, SACI initiates holding the officials of supervision objects disciplinary liable. Subpara. 5 of para. 11 stipulates that the Head of SACI reports to the Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine - the Minister of Regional Development, Construction and Residential Services on carrying out SACI plans and tasks assigned thereto, on elimination of violations and shortcomings, discovered during inspections of SACI, its territorial branches, as well as on holding officials liable for committed violations.
To extend its Inspection Plan, which is published on its official site, with a section that lists the warnings issued to developers during inspections, the reasons for any fines charged, and the results of developers' eliminating violations, without waiting for the adoption of Draft Law No.2418a "On amending the Law of Ukraine 'On the basic principles of state supervision and oversight of commercial activities" to liberalize the system of state supervision and oversight of commercial activities" dated 21 July2015. This Draft Law provides for setting up an integrated, automated state supervision and oversight system that will include inspection schedules for all government agencies and the results of any measures taken.
— comments: The State Regulatory Service of Ukraine together with the BRDO has launched a pilot module for planning state supervision (control) IAS DNA.
To draw up and publish its schedule of planned inspections of developers who are licensed to carry out Category IV and V complexity construction works at the SACI website.
— comments: Inspection plans are regularly published at the SACI website. http://www.dabi.gov.ua/potochna-diyalnist/ http://www.dabi.gov.ua/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Plan-perevirok-LU_2-kv-2017-1.pdf
To bring CMU Resolution No.1396 "On licensing commercial activities related to the erection of architectural objects" dated 05 December 2007, in line with the provisions of the Law of Ukraine "On licensing various commercial activities" by removing contradictions regarding the expiry terms of licenses and the basis for re-issuing thereof.
— comments: Amendments were made according to the Resolutions of CMU No.238 dated 10 March 2017 and No.402 dated 7 June 2017.
To carry out the provisions of Sec. 6, Art. 21 of the Law of Ukraine "On licensing various commercial activities" in recognizing term limited licenses to undertake constructions of Category IV and V complexity objects that were in effect on the date this Law came into effect as now in perpetuity.
— comments: Since the recommendation has been issued, no Complaints in this regard have been received by the Council.
To develop an appeal mechanism against local architecture and construction oversight actions.
— comments: http://www.dabi.gov.ua/detsentralizatsiya/ 65 newly created state architectural and construction controlling authorities operate locally. In accordance with p. 4 of subpara. 2 of para. 4 of the Regulation, SACI checks the legality of decisions as regards urban development activities adopted by supervisory authorities, as well as in accordance with subpara. 4 of para. 4, cancels or suspends the effect of decisions made by supervisory authorities in accordance with its powers, established by law, that violate legislative requirements as regards urban development activities, with simultaneous drawing up of a protocol in accordance with the Code of Administrative Offenses of Ukraine and subsequent disclosure of such information at the SACI official website; para. 11 stipulates that SACI shall decide on registration or return of the Declaration on object readiness for operation by means of supervision (without a right to register declarations), granting or revoking the permit for execution of construction works (wthout a right to issue a permit), and on refusal to issue a certificate (without the right to issue a certificate).
To institute an "e-office" for submitting documents to SACI for the purpose of getting building permits.
— comments: The Order of the Ministry of Regional Development of Ukraine No.166 dated 16 July 2015 "On Amendments to the procedure for functioning of electronic system for implementation of declarative procedures in construction", which introduces access of entities to information on the procedure for implementation of declarative procedures in construction in electronic form via the website of the System: https://e-dabi.gov.ua/
To institute tacit consent for projects that represent a low level of complexity, in the form of an electronic notice that cannot be rejected by oversight agencies and gives the automatic right to begin construction.
— comments: The Order of the Ministry of Regional Development of Ukraine No.118 dated 18 May 2017 "On amending the procedure for maintaining the unified register of documents that grant right to perform preparatory and construction works and certify acceptance of fully-construed objects into operation, information on return for revision, refusal to issue and cancellation of indicated documents".
To introduce check of information that is in state registers without involvement of applicant when preparing licenses to carry out construction works.
— comments: P. 7 of Art. 12 of the Law of Ukraine "On licensing various commercial activities" has been amended in accordance with the Law of Ukraine dated 26 November 2015 No.835-VIII
To propose amendments to the Law of Ukraine "On regulating urban development activity" and several other legislative acts to replace the procedures for registering notices of commencing construction and the commissioning of buildings of average and significant liability class on commencing construction and the commissioning of buildings with permits to carry out such construction works and certificates accordingly.
— comments: The Ministry of Regional Development has elaborated:Amendments to the Law of Ukraine "On urban development"; Draft amendments to the Resolution of the CMU No.1164 dated 30 December 2015 "On approval of criteria for assessing the degree of risk associated with conduct of economic activities related to creation of architectural objects subject to licensing and frequency of planned state supervision (controlling) measures”; Draft amendments to the Resolution of the CMU "On amending the procedure for approval of construction projects and expertise".
To work with regional administrations to determine the state of urban development documentation in specific towns and the need to develop it in order to resolve the question of adding specific expenditures to the list of those what might be covered by the State Regional Development Fund in the next budget cycle.
To work with interested agencies to draft changes to legislation that will clearly regulate what constitutes unclassified or open access information and what is restricted information, and then nudge local government agencies to publish their urban development plans at their websites.
To collaborate with local government agencies, related associations, professional business societies, and experts to identify and draft amendments to the Law of Ukraine "On regulating urban development activity" in terms of cancelling the equity contribution for developers or improving the current procedure by, for instance, authorizing the CMU to establish a universal procedure and payment for contributing the equity, to ensure that this contribution is used for the stated purpose, and to mandate local government agencies to regularly publish information about the size of accumulated contributions and the ways they are being utilized.
— comments: The Ministry with the support of the BRDO has drafted a draft law "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine to Promote Investment Activity in Ukraine", the project was registered with the VRU on 15 March 2018 under No.8124. The draft law is currently awaiting consideration.
To draft a legal act approving the technical regulation of building materials in full compliance with the EU Regulation No.305/2011, passed by the European Parliament and the Council on 09 March 2001, to establish harmonized conditions for placing building materials on the market, and repealing the Council's Directive No.89/106/EEC, in compliance with Ukraine's commitments to the Association Agreement.
To propose amendments to Ukrainian land legislation to directly obligate LEBs to re-sign leasing agreements for land plots with new owners of the properties following a simplified, transparent procedure
To arrange inventory of all state and consolidated registers or cadastres and ensure direct exchange of information between them through automated systems using hyperlinks. This includes the State Land Cadastre, the State Register of Immovable Property Rights and Encumbrances, USREOU, the State Register of Civil Status, Taxpayer Registers, etc.
— comments: According to Clause 10 of the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No.509, dated 12 July 2017, the public authorities in charge of the issued recommendation prepared and approved the protocol determining the structure and format of the information files to be transferred and accepted through information interaction of information systems of the State Registry of Immovable Property Rights and the State Land Cadastre. The respective technical protocol, inter alia, is aimed at creating technical opportunities for providing the state cadastral registrars with the information about the registered real rights over immovable property by granting direct access to the State Registry of Immovable Property Rights and entering data about owners and/or users of the land plot in the data recorded with the State Land Cadastre. Informational interaction functioning was initialized starting from mid-November, 2017.
To provide clear distribution of powers between different agencies regarding the assignment of postal addresses to buildings and properties, in Sec. I "Organizational and legal basis for local government" in the Law of Ukraine "On local governance" and Part 1 "The competencies of local state administrations" in the Law of Ukraine "On local state administrations".
— comments: On 20 March 2018, the Council received a letter from the Ministry of Regional Development, Construction and Residential Services dated 02 March 2018. No.7/14-2227, according whereto the last Draft Law "On amending certain laws of Ukraine regarding improvement of urban development" was elaborated (as of 04 May 2016 No.4585), which regulated the issue of assigning postal addresses to the construction sites within and outside the settlements. However, according to the letter of the CMU dated 30 December 2017 No.7532/0/2-17, the said Draft Law was withdrawn from VRU. At present, suggestions for regulating the issue of determining the procedure for providing a construction site with address are included in the Draft Laws "On amending certain legislative acts of Ukraine on improving the investment climate in Ukraine" (No.6540 dated 06 June 2017) and "On amending certain legislative acts of Ukraine in the sphere of urban development" (No.7085 dated 06 September 2017), which are included on the agenda of the seventh session of the VRU of the eighth convocation in accordance with the resolution of the VRU No.2149-VIII dated 10 March 2017. On 22 March 2018 the Draft Law "On amending certain legislative acts of Ukraine in the sphere of urban development" No.7085 dated 09 June 2017 was adopted in the first reading. At the moment, the Draft Law is being prepared for a second reading.
To establish procedures for assigning a postal address in the Law of Ukraine "On postal communication" by: (i) designating the CMU as the authorized body to establish a procedure for assigning addresses with a complete list of documents necessary, reasons for possible refusal, and other key issues; and (ii) establishing that the term "postal address" may only be used in the context of legislation on postal services.
To amend the Laws of Ukraine "On local governance", "On local state administrations", "On regulating urban development activities," "On framework of urban development", "On architectural activity", and "On advertising", being aimed at determining the address of the location of a construction site and further use in the context of regulation of the construction, commissioning of objects, as well as state registration of real rights to real estate.
To include regular methodological work jointly with construction managers working at regional state administrations with the commissioners of construction works in the annual action plans regarding approaches to determine the value of a procurement item through workshops, including those funded by international technical assistance programs, and to publish recommendations that will reflect a number of key rules: Where funding for the construction of an object is expected during several years, the commissioner should organize the procurement process based on the overall expected cost of the entire works and sign a long-term procurement contract with the successful bidder that establishes that the works will be ongoing for several years.In planning procurements, it should be kept in mind that the commissioner has no right to break up the procurement subject into smaller parts to avoid holding open tenders or applying Sec. 5 of Art. 2 of the Law of Ukraine “On public procurements.”To estimate the cost of procuring works, Ukraine’s normative construction documents should be used as a guide, as they set the rules for determining the value of construction, design and survey works, and feasibility analyses of the actual plans according to the domestic standards. The one mandatory document that should be used in estimating costs is the National Standard “Rules for determining the value of construction”. This standard is mandatory when estimating costs for construction covered by budget funds, the funds of state and communal enterprises, institutions and organizations, as well as by loans guaranteed by the government. Its application has to be stipulated by contract. This means that the conditions for calculating the value of a proposition and the draft procurement contract should include the use of this standard, that is, in the conditions that establish the agreed price of the awarded contract. Where participants plan to engage subcontractors to carry out works, tender bid prices should include the cost of all proposed works contained in the tender documentation, including works that will be executed by subcontractors.To prepare procurement and tender documents, the commissioner should use a finalized working design with all necessary approvals and land issues confirmed and resolved, if required. The working phases of the project should be preceded by an explanation of any repair work in compliance with the quality control system for the relevant types of infrastructure, a feasibility study, and public discussions to identify all possible risks. Where there is no finalized working design with the necessary approvals, the recommended approach is to include a tender interview procedure to negotiate with participants and clarify any issues about the project directly during the tender process.
— comments: Pursuant to paragraph 7, part 1 of Article 8 of the Law of Ukraine "On Public Procurement", on the MEDT's website an information resource of the Authorized Agency was created aimed at disseminating information on the application of public procurement legislation, which allows for on-line advisory advice on procurement issues, as well as get acquainted with the generalized answers prepared on the basis of common problem issues to all entities in the field of public procurement.
To draw up and submit a draft law to amend the Budget Code of Ukraine and other related regulatory acts, including: establishing clear deadlines, until which payments for procurement contracts must be made, typically not more than 30 working days, instituting penalties for past due payments.
— comments: Compromise implementation: There appeared a long-awaited feature of checking payment under the contract in ProZorro public procurement electronic system. As a consequence of efforts from the Ministry of Economic Development, ProZorro team, the Ministry of Finance, the E-Data system and .007 project, now everyone is able not only to familiarize oneself with the text of a contract signed with a tender winner, but also to find out if payment was made thereunder.
To propose amendments to the Commercial Code of Ukraine to change the section on subcontracting agreements for the execution of works that are drawn up in line with the Law of Ukraine "On public procurements," to require providing both the commissioner and the executors -contractors, subcontractors and engineers engaged in technical supervision - with open access to information about the progress of the works for the purpose of ensuring their accountability to the public at all stages of the procurement process, from design to completed construction and commissioning.
To draft amendments to the Law of Ukraine “On public procurements” by means of:-
— comments: The MEDT is working on the drafting of a bill on amendments to the Law of Ukraine "On Public Procurement" and some other legislative acts of Ukraine, which would foresee, in particular, the introduction of relevant norms regarding the provision of legal opportunities for participation of a group of economic entities as participants in procedures (consortia) etc.
To take into account the necessity to amend Law of Ukraine "On public procurements" regarding publication of information on concessional tenders at the unified procurements portal in preparing the Draft Law of Ukraine "On concessions".
— comments: On 15 March 2018, the Draft Law "On Amendments to Article 2 of the Law of Ukraine "On Public Procurement" No.8128 was registered with the VRU, which is supported by the MEDT. The draft law is currently awaiting consideration.
To add to its work plans of further adaptation of public procurement legislation to the EU legislation the Directives 2014/24 on public procurements and 2014/25 on procurements by enterprises that operate in the area of water supply, power, transport and postal services. Of particular importance are the provisions of EU legislation related to public procurements of construction works, including such criteria as life-cycle cost, the influence of a company's reputation on its potential participation in procurements, the concept of abnormally low price, etc.
— comments: The MEDT is working to improve the legislation of public procurement and bring it in line with international standards and EU Directives in the field of public procurement.