ZAGREB, May 2 (Hina) - The Croatian parliament on Wednesday wrapped up a debate on bills on customs service and representation in customs procedure, which are aimed at speeding up the flow of goods on border crossings. All deputies
supported regulations enabling a speedier flow of goods as well as the reduction of costs in international trade and the combating of corruption. However, many of them objected to the regulation which envisages customs control of imported goods not only on border crossings but on the entire territory of Croatia. Such extensive customs powers are probably not new for the European Union but they are a major turning point for Croatia, said Josip Leko of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He believes that one should increase control measures due to possible mistakes of the customs service since the regulation could cause significant damage both to the economy and the citizens. Many other de
ZAGREB, May 2 (Hina) - The Croatian parliament on Wednesday wrapped
up a debate on bills on customs service and representation in
customs procedure, which are aimed at speeding up the flow of goods
on border crossings.
All deputies supported regulations enabling a speedier flow of
goods as well as the reduction of costs in international trade and
the combating of corruption. However, many of them objected to the
regulation which envisages customs control of imported goods not
only on border crossings but on the entire territory of Croatia.
Such extensive customs powers are probably not new for the European
Union but they are a major turning point for Croatia, said Josip
Leko of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He believes that one
should increase control measures due to possible mistakes of the
customs service since the regulation could cause significant
damage both to the economy and the citizens.
Many other deputies believe the regulation should refer more to
importers than citizens.
The regulation is problematic because it enables customs officers
to stop anybody anywhere and search their vehicle, says Marijan
Marsic of the Croatian Peasants' Party (HSS). Marsic also believes
it should be defined more clearly who is authorised for
representation in customs procedure.
The parliament today did not vote on the two bills due to lack of
quorum and continued its work with a debate on a final bill on
changes to the Law on Oil Products. The sponsor of the bill, the HSS,
suggests the introduction of the so-called "blue petrol" for
agricultural machines for the cultivation of all categories of land
and not only those which are included in the system of state
incentives.
(hina) rml