Baku: The procedure for restricting the departure of foreign trade participants with customs debts from Azerbaijan is being determined, APA reports. This development is part of an amendment to the Customs Code, discussed during the latest session of the Milli Majlis. The proposed amendment seeks to empower customs authorities to apply to a court to temporarily restrict the right of foreign trade participants to leave the country. This measure aims to ensure the payment of calculated customs payments, penalties, and interest on any customs debt that has not been settled within the timeframe established by the Customs Code.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the draft law suggests that customs authorities will also be responsible for lifting these restrictions once the reasons for the temporary ban have been addressed. The enforcement of the temporary restriction will be managed by a court following an application from the customs authority. Similar provisions are specified for tax authorities within the Tax Code, indicating a broader approach to managing financial obligations within the country.

After thorough discussions, the draft law was put to a vote and successfully adopted in the third reading, signaling a significant step in Azerbaijan's regulatory landscape concerning customs and tax obligations.