On March 11, 2025, the forum “De-shadowing the Market and Ensuring Fair Competition” was held, organized with the participation of the European Business Association, representatives of public authorities, law enforcement agencies, and the business community.
As part of the panel discussion, a speech was delivered by Kostiantyn Hamkrelidze, Managing Partner of DEGA Partners Law Firm, Attorney-at-Law, and representative of the Household Appliances and Electronics Committee of the European Business Association.
In his remarks, Kostiantyn Hamkrelidze focused on the issue of illegal imports of household appliances and electronics, “grey” import schemes and counterfeit goods, as well as their systemic impact on the state, businesses, and consumers.
According to the data presented, annual budget losses caused by “grey” imports and smuggling amount to UAH 120–167 billion, while losses from counterfeit products and illegal trade in excisable goods reach UAH 35–40 billion per year.
Special attention was also paid to the issue of criminalizing commodity smuggling and the practical application of relevant criminal law provisions, as well as the need to complete institutional reforms and strengthen interagency coordination among customs, tax, and law enforcement authorities, with the active involvement of responsible businesses.