The full-scale war waged by Russia against Ukraine has created significant challenges for the agricultural sector, especially in terms of agricultural exports. Existing processes and procedures at the borders and cargo clearance tools need to be implemented and improved, in line with European standards, to ensure fast and efficient exports of Ukrainian goods.
The Centre for Innovation Development is launching the project “Export Without Borders: Improving Export Capacity at Border Crossing Points” with the support of the USAID Economic Support for Ukraine Project (USAID Project).
Project objective
To develop sustainable solutions to speed up the clearance of export cargo and support agricultural companies in obtaining the status of an authorised economic operator (AEO) in accordance with EU standards.
As part of the project, we will
- Conduct a study of administrative issues that hinder the cargo export of Ukrainian agricultural products and prepare systemic solutions, including those for obtaining AEO status, in line with EU standards.
- We will prepare agricultural enterprises for further obtaining AEO status in order to reduce the time required for export cargo clearance in the future.
- We will prepare an algorithm for the process of obtaining AEO status and train selected agricultural companies to do so.
- We will hold a series of consultations at the national and international level on the possibilities of implementing European standards of AEO status in Ukraine.
- We will conduct an information campaign to encourage the target audience to implement and use the AEO status as a tool to accelerate exports.
The status of an authorised economic operator (AEO) allows an exporting company to reduce the time of the border crossing procedure by preparing all the necessary documents in advance and pre-sealing the cargo. The application of AEO status for agricultural companies ensures the functioning of the priority regime of customs control, and as a result, reduces time, reduces the risks associated with supply chain disruption or theft, increases trust, and speeds up the export process.
“Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has created unprecedented challenges for the export of Ukrainian agricultural products. Under these conditions, the status of an authorised economic operator (AEO) can become a key tool for Ukrainian agricultural companies to adapt to the new reality. Our goal is to help companies implement best European practices, minimise the risks of supply chain disruption and increase international confidence in Ukrainian exports“, says Kateryna Ivanchenko, director of the Innovation Development Centre.
This project is aimed at ensuring the stability and development of agricultural exports, which is extremely important in the current environment. Creating favourable conditions for exporters will help minimise risks, optimise processes and strengthen the economic potential of the Ukrainian agricultural sector.
By adopting European approaches, Ukraine will be able to reduce the time for export procedures, increase Ukrainian exports and create new opportunities for domestic businesses.
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The implementation of this project was made possible by the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the terms of a grant awarded to the Innovation Development Centre as part of the USAID Economic Support to Ukraine Project. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the Center for Innovations Development and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.