Английский язык. Конова М.А. - 27 стр.

inspections. The way rules are interpreted can vary between different border posts,
and even between different customs inspectors.
      What is the solution? The situation cannot be changed overnight. The Russian
authorities have appeared willing to review the customs code. First of all, the
should be officially recognized the concept of “air express”: by their very nature,
express shipments of such items as bank documents, computer disks with
information, medical samples, or spare parts required for the urgent repair of
machinery should be treated differently from, say, a freight shipment of several
hundred cars. Consequently, four simplified customs categories should be
introduced for express shipments: documents, low-value non-dutiable
consignments, low-value dutiable consignments, high-value consignments. The
first three categories should be given “fast track” clearance on the day of arrival.
The high-value category would obviously need extra documentation, but also could
be cleared quickly if all VAT and customs duties have been guaranteed.
      There is a need to upgrade the resources available to the customs authorities,
to extend the use of electronic clearance systems and exchange of information. A
liberalization of the customs regime will be an important step in the right direction.
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     4.2.1 Answer the following questions:

   1) Why were Russian import procedures given bottom marks by western
      financial analysts?
   2) What are the roots of the customs problem in Russia?
   3) What is “air express”? Has Russian Customs Service officially recognized
      this concept yet?
   4) How are rules and procedures interpreted among different customs officials
      in Russia?
   5) What do we understand under “fast track” clearance?
   6) Please list all the recommendations made by western analysts for the
      Russian Customs code review.
   7) What four simplified customs categories should be introduced for express
      shipments?


      4.3 Translate the following newspaper article in the written form

                                   Text B
     Customs Urges CBR to Liberalize Currency Cash Flow Through Border

    Russia’s State Customs Committee urged the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) to
allow the liberalization of foreign currency cash flow through the customs border.
The committee planned to allow up to USD 10,000 in cash to be brought in and
taken out of the country without declaration, as is the case in many other countries.