PARLIAMENT DEBATES CUSTOMS LAWS

ZAGREB, May 2 (Hina) - The Croatian Parliament on Wednesday ended a discussion on a bill on amendments to the Customs Law by which customs benefits for the import of personal vehicles would be rescinded to every person, with the exception of military invalids. The amendments also stipulate a decrease in customs tariffs for temporary imports of commercial vessels from three to 1.5 percent per month, which should spur the development of tourism, Deputy Finance Minister Damir Kustrak said. The Parliament's Committee for Labour, Social Policy and Health, suggested that customs benefits be made available for all disabled persons, taking into consideration the degree of their disability, notwithstanding the cause for the invalidity. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) bench voiced support for the motion, as well as the amendments. The largest opposition party, the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), is opposing the amendments, and is primarily against the abolishment of customs benefits for the import of vessels for the Croatian Diaspora who are returning to their homeland, as well as for those at temporary jobs abroad. Explaining bills on the customs service and conditions for representation business in customs proceedings, Kustrak said the laws would expedite the flow of goods on border crossings. Among else, it was suggested that so-called mobile customs teams be set up to perform control of imported goods on the entire country's territory, not only border crossings. (hina) lml sb