Russian Government Introduces Amendments To Customs Code - 13 November, 2001 - News

The Russian government intends to consider amendments to the Customs Code on November 13 in a bid to drastically renovate it and bring it in line with the requirements of the WTO and the World Customs Organisation /WCO/, said Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov. The Russian Customs Code has been effective since 1993, but it is already clear that some procedures need specification, considering Russia's commitment to integrating into the world community. According to Kasyanov, customs procedures need to be unified and simplified, some articles of the Code need to be regulated by law, and not by subordinate legislation. The government will soon submit the amendments to the State Duma /lower house/ for consideration. The cabinet will also debate amendments to the bankruptcy legislation which, Kasyanov noted, is far from perfect and is often used for tax evasion, property redistribution. Besides, managers bear no responsibility for the bankruptcy procedures, these procedures are not transparent for society, creditors and proprietors. Mikhail Kasyanov particularly pointed out that the country's interests were poorly protected as far as the bankruptcy procedure of enterprises and military industrial complex goes.