Eurasian Integration Yearbook 2012

2011: Data and ReviewsBelarus according to unified rules. However, while a de jure customs union isin place, de facto there are still several issues to be resolved. The CU agreementon technical regulation was signed in November 2010, yet Kazakhstan, Russiaand Belarus have not yet established unified technical regulation and control,and have not adopted common technical regulations.The members speeded up their work drafting common technical regulations,and granted 46 drafts top-priority status for 2011. Of these 46, eight weredrafted by Belarus, 13 by Kazakhstan and 25 by Russia.A unified quality mark will be introduced for goods entering the markets inthe three member countries. During the transition period, manufacturers willhave the right to choose from a list of goods which are subject to mandatoryconformity evaluation confirmed by documentation recognised in all threecountries. “Transit” certificates, or declarations of conformity that are recognisedin all the CU member states, are already available for products that are notincluded in the list (over 200 items). The list of goods is constantly growing.Consensus is vital for the ratification of CU technical regulations. However,disagreements do arise in the negotiations between the CU member states. Forinstance, Kazakhstan refused to discuss the draft technical regulations on tobaccoproducts agreed by Russia and Belarus. The decision to ban the collection andrecycling of glass containers that have contained alcohol and infant food fromJuly 2012 has also led to disputes. In some instances, European norms are usedas the benchmark, to help the parties to reach consensus. The majority of CUtechnical regulations are based on the national technical regulations of Russiathat were harmonised with EU directives.Businessmen assess first results of Customs UnionOctober 17, 2011Expert KazakhstanBusinessmen have given their initial assessment of the effects of the CustomsUnion of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.Research carried out jointly by RBK Daily and Kelly Services recruitment agencysuggests that businesses are facing longer queues at the customs, excessivebureaucracy, and a backlog of tax legislation. According to a survey carried outamong Russian transport and logistics companies, 69% of respondents believethat the CU has simplified their dealings with Belarus and Kazakhstan, and54% of respondents claim that the law “On Customs Regulation” that replacedthe Customs Code in November last year has had a positive impact on theiroperations.Problems with VAT calculations (the difference in tax rates), the failure tounify technical regulations thus far and different customs requirements are242 EDB Eurasian Integration Yearbook 2012