Government making list of importers, checking it twice

The government wants to draw up a list of well-behaved businesses which will get to save time and money on the border when importing goods.

The Saakashvili administration is including what it calls the ‘golden list of importers’ in a package of fiscal amendments, and wants a quick passage through parliament.

Some local economists are calling for a more thorough review, but there is no apparent concerted effort to sink the bill. Repeated attempts to reach the Finance Ministry’s press service for comment went unanswered.

The list will include importers without a history of legal infractions. They will enjoy shortcuts on customs procedures and red tape, and an extended 30-day period to pay duties on imported goods.

The finance minister says the list of companies will be automatically compiled with rigid criteria, to avoid lobbying from ineligible companies eager to benefit. Similar systems are in place in other countries, officials say, and point to developments of a data system and organizational savvy as side benefits.

Parliament is expected to pass the bill into law without delay.