Improving Customs Control Procedures for Timber Transported Across the Customs Border of the EAEU

Russia has huge reserves of forest resources, and it is the conservation and management of these resources that is an important task for the country. Due to the unbalanced operational approach and excessive logging, there are problems with logging and illegal export of timber. Customs authorities play an important role in controlling timber exports and countering illegal trafficking in forest resources. They verify the correctness of the documents confirming the legality of the transaction, as well as monitor the correctness of the declaration of timber and transportation of products. With the increase in foreign trade, it became necessary to introduce new methods of customs control of timber, which will simplify customs procedures and speed up customs operations. The article discusses practical approaches to the implementation of customs control and operations with timber. Various aspects of control, including modern methods and technologies, are analyzed. The difficulties and problems faced by the customs authorities are revealed. In particular, problematic issues related to the classification and identification of timber products were considered. The situational analysis conducted within the framework of the study allowed us to give an objective assessment of this process. Based on the processing of regulatory documentation, systematization and analysis of scientific literature, directions were proposed for improving customs control of timber products during movement across the customs border of the EAEU.