Azernews.Az

By Nigar Abbasova

Azerbaijan's State Customs Committee (SCC) seeks to strengthen control over a number of procedures to prevent any illegal operation within the system. Particularly, supervision is planned to be strengthened over the export operations.

SCC Head Aydin Aliyev said that the relevant package of proposals has already been submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers.

The issue is one of the most complicated ones, Aliyev said while addressing a press-conference on the results of 2016.

“The export of Azerbaijani production should be properly assessed, as this ensures currency inflow to the country. In this regard, we plan to develop certain measures on regulation of the process,” he noted.

Aliyev further added that the exporters previously were obliged to submit a guarantee letter from the Central Bank to customs authorities, as supervision was carried out by customs services (in case of cash flow) and by the CBA (for non-cash payments).

"To facilitate the trade operations and simplify documentation procedures, we took a decision to cancel this requirement. But this mechanism may result in retention of currency abroad. Therefore, we appealed to the Government with the proposal to resume it once again," he said.

Speaking about the results of 2016, he said that last year was very successful for customs authorities in terms of combating smuggling.

“A large volume of narcotics, more than 1.14 tons, was detained last year. Some 1.11 tons fell to a share of heroin. Besides, we prevented an attempt of illegal outflow of currency worth more than $2 million from the country. Also, we withdrew some 700 grams of mercury, which was further passed to low enforcement and judicial bodies. This is a huge success. ” he said.

Aliyev also said that a significant progress was also made in the sphere of detecting narcotic drugs and psychotropic agents.

“Our borders are equipped with brand-new technologies for detecting heroine and mercury. We have a qualified staff,” he mentioned.

As for the violation of administrative duties within the organization, he said that more than 240 employees of the committee have already been made accountable for certain violations. Nearly 10 cases were submitted to law-enforcement agencies and the Service on fight against corruption last year.

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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

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