Customs Management: International Supply Chains Maintenance and Implementation of a Customs Policy to Counter the COVID-19 Crisis

Abstract

The study investigates the need for changes in the operation of customs administrations, which are caused by the pandemic. The latter has destroyed or considerably damaged existing supply chains around the world. To counter this, customs administrations need to take a coordinated and proactive approach with all relevant agencies to facilitate international trade. The main purpose of the study is to investigate the transformation of the implementation of state customs in the context of anti-crisis response to the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The methodology of this study is based on such general scientific research methods as analysis and synthesis, systematisation, and generalisation. The study has defined the basic areas of reengineering of customs bodies' operation which have to work continuously and in the conditions of time restrictions; organisational response design; anti-epidemic protection of officials; digitalisation of customs procedures; customs regulation; trade facilitation measures. In particular, the study noted that in crisis conditions, the urgent task is to form operational groups for anti-crisis response, as introduced by China. The paper outlines the main responsibilities of such task forces and focuses on the need for rapid changes in legislation and consultation with stakeholders. The authors have identified the main measures to ensure the safety of personnel, which should be developed by customs administrations in close cooperation with healthcare authorities and other stakeholders. Trade facilitation measures have also been identified, in particular through the collection of data and their submission to the World Trade Organization repository. This study can be used to investigate and improve the reform of the customs system of Ukraine