Russian customs to ease formalities for Lithuanian camions

MOSCOW, August 14 (Itar-Tass) -- The Russian Customs Service agreed to
easy formalities for Lithuanian camions after the Lithuanian customs
department promised to punish violators of Transport International Routier
(TIR) rules.
The Russian Federal Customs Service (FTS) "proposed a complex of
measures to liberalize the enhanced control regime for most Lithuanian
carriers. The measures will definitely not concern violators, which will
continue to face resolute administrative measures," FTS said on Thursday
after talks with Lithuanian counterparts, adding the necessary
instructions will be forwarded to customs checkpoints shortly "to
radically relief tensions between two countries in customs issues".
"Tensions" emerged after Russia mounted customs control for Lithuanian
TIR camions, which had to queue for long hours to cross the border as a
result.
FTS said some Lithuanian carriers violated Russian customs legislation
and dodged duty payments.
According to FTS, Lithuanian counterparts will deny TIR regime to
violators and submit to FTS a list of complying carriers.
"The Lithuanian Customs Service also said it would control the
reimbursement by Lithuanian carriers of debts to Russian customs bodies
that emerged in 2008-2009," the FTS said.
The meeting between customs officials of both countries "designed ways
of an early resolution of existing problems," FTS said.

-0-nec