Ukraine: Customs Fines for Bunker Quantity Declarations
Ukrainian correspondents Dias & Co have advised that a number of vessels visiting ports in Ukraine have recently received large customs fines upon customs officials finding discrepancies in the actual and declared quantities of bunkers on board. It is understood that this is most prevalent in the sea port of Nikolaev.
It has been reported that customs officials have been carrying out bunker surveys on vessels and checking the measured remains on board (ROB) against the figure entered on the customs arrival declaration. Differences in quantities may lead to a customs fine being levied on the vessel and it would appear that these fines are proportional to the size of the discrepancy, and in some cases it is understood the level of these fines are substantial.
Vessels visiting ports in Ukraine are advised to pay close attention to customs’ requirements when completing the declaration upon arrival, and to consider/seek the local agent’s advice relating to these requirements. It may also be prudent for ship’s crews to carry out an accurate determination of the ROB bunkers before submitting the customs declaration in order to ensure the documentation accurately reflects the actual quantities on board the vessel.