Distribution of declarations among electronic declaration centres has created customs value problems
Here is a concrete example: in one week, one importer receives four batches of identical goods from the same supplier. Each batch requires a separate declaration, and the algorithm distributes them to four different EDCs. As a result, two batches are released without a customs value adjustment, while for the other two an adjustment is applied, and in different amounts. It is impossible to predict the outcome of clearance in advance.
In addition to discrepancies in customs valuation, there have been cases of partial release of goods from a single declaration. Distributing declarations to EDCs located in time zones different from where the declarant and the cargo are creates a separate difficulty: prompt interaction between the trader and the inspector is hindered already at the level of working hours.
Another systemic problem is the uneven specialisation of the centres. Some EDCs historically did not handle certain categories of cargo and have no experience clearing them. When they receive such declarations under the new algorithm, inspectors face unfamiliar product specifics, which leads to delays and inconsistent decisions.
The Federal Customs Service confirmed that the identified difficulties require an additional response and announced that an action plan has been prepared. According to the service’s official wording, the plan provides for “work on interaction with the business community, training of officials and improvement of information software tools”.
Business questions are also coming to the Public Council under the Federal Customs Service, primarily about distributing declarations to EDCs in other time zones.
For importers with regular deliveries, the situation means direct financial uncertainty: customs payments on identical batches may differ significantly depending on which centre processes the declaration. Until approaches across EDCs are unified, companies should record all customs value decisions and, in case of discrepancies, contact the Federal Customs Service through the business interaction mechanism announced in the action plan.
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- Customs inspection goes electronic from 20 November 2026 — what is changing in customs inspections
- Customs monitoring: immunity from inspections in exchange for access to accounting — how customs monitoring protects against inspections
- Courts limited additional customs value assessments — how courts protect importers from value adjustments
