Baku: A special customs procedure for duty-free trade and its scope are being outlined, as reported by APA. This development is encapsulated in the newly proposed Chapter 33-1 of the Customs Code, which was presented for discussion during the Milli Majlis session.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the draft specifies that duty-free trade is a unique customs procedure allowing for the retail sale of foreign goods to individuals departing the customs territory without incurring import customs duties and taxes. These goods, meant for personal use, can be sold in duty-free shops. The sale of domestic goods under this procedure requires permission from customs authorities, and the relevant executive authority determines the rules for placing goods under the duty-free trade procedure.

Duty-free shops are designated as customs control zones, and the placement and sale of goods within these zones are supervised by customs authorities. The management of permits for duty-free shops, including issuance, re-registration, suspension, restoration, and revocation, is governed by the Law 'On Licenses and Permits.' The relevant executive authority is responsible for maintaining a register of duty-free shops and ensuring the continuous updating of information on an official internet resource.

Customs control over goods under the duty-free trade procedure concludes when those goods are re-exported, placed under another customs procedure, destroyed, or relinquished to the state. In cases where a duty-free shop is liquidated, foreign goods must be re-exported or placed under the customs procedure of release for free circulation with applicable customs payments. If these options are not feasible, the goods must be placed in temporary storage or a customs warehouse.

The draft law was put to a vote after discussions and was adopted in the third reading.