
Why Ukraine’s Customs Law Forum 2025 Matters
On July 11, 2025, Kyiv will host the IV Forum on Customs Law and International Trade — a key professional gathering bringing together lawyers, business representatives, customs officials, and public sector experts. Organized by the Ukrainian Bar Association (UBA), this event is not just another industry conference. It is a platform where some of the most critical issues facing Ukraine’s economy, legal framework, and international trade policy will be debated.
Amid war, EU integration, and rising global protectionism, customs law has become a frontline topic — one that now shapes security, competitiveness, and the future of Ukrainian business in the global arena.
Why Customs Law Matters Now
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine’s customs landscape has undergone dramatic shifts. Closed borders, disrupted logistics, and constantly evolving rules have created major challenges for importers, exporters, and regulatory agencies alike.
In parallel, Ukraine is aligning its legislation with the European Union as part of its integration path. That requires deep harmonization of the customs code — not just technical changes, but structural reform. The 2025 forum arrives at a crucial moment, when clarity and coordination are urgently needed.
Three Sessions That Define the Agenda
The forum’s program focuses on the legal, regulatory, and geopolitical dimensions of customs and trade. Each session is moderated by a respected legal expert with deep field experience.
Session 1: Harmonizing Ukrainian Customs with the EU
Moderator: Oleg Kyriievskyi, Managing Partner at First Chair Legal
Topics include:
- new rules of origin for goods;
- updates to Ukraine’s Customs Code in 2025;
- avoiding double taxation;
- mutual recognition and simplified customs procedures with the EU.
This session is vital for businesses operating across EU borders — and for legal professionals advising them on compliance and risk.
Session 2: Legal Risks and Enforcement in Customs Control
Moderator: Tetiana Lysovets, UBA Vice President and Senior Partner at Sokolovskyi and Partners
Key issues:
- criminal cases against businesses;
- recent trends in customs-related litigation;
- what companies must know about updated enforcement protocols.
With Ukraine’s war economy making enforcement more aggressive, this session will help legal teams stay protected.
Session 3: Trade, Tariffs, and Industrial Policy in a Divided World
Moderator: Olesia Kryvetska, PhD in Law, Head of the UBA’s International Trade Committee
Focus areas:
- global protectionism as the “new normal”;
- Trump-era tariffs and global reactions from the EU and China;
- critical minerals and strategic resources;
- Ukraine’s policy dilemma: open for trade, or protecting domestic industry?
This final session zooms out — showing how Ukraine’s trade policy is shaped not just by law, but by geopolitics.
Revelant
Who Should Attend?
The forum is designed for:
- legal professionals working in trade, customs, and compliance;
- businesses engaged in international supply chains;
- policymakers, regulators, and analysts shaping Ukraine’s trade direction;
- logistics and customs service providers.
Whether you’re part of a multinational, a local exporter, or a government advisor — this forum will provide real value.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
- Get early insights into customs code updates
- Understand how global trade shifts affect Ukrainian business
- Ask questions directly to leading experts
- Build your professional network across sectors
Both in-person and online participation are available. Attendance is confirmed after registration and fee payment.
Final Thought
Customs law may seem technical. But today, it’s about resilience, sovereignty, and Ukraine’s position in the global economy. The IV Forum on Customs Law and International Trade is more than a legal event — it’s a strategic discussion.
If you want to be part of that conversation — this is where to be.















