CUSTOMS EXEMPTIONS AS A FORM OF PUBLIC AID FOR ENTREPRENEURS

Abstract

One form of public aid provided for entrepreneurs involved in international trade turnover consists in exempting from customs duty by a customs administration body from the obligation to pay import or export customs receivables. A fundamental principle binding in the European Union is to adhere to competition principles in order not to privilege any entity in the common market. As a result of granting public aid, the entrepreneur obtains gain on terms more favourable than the ones offered in the market. Nevertheless, one should take into consideration the fact that any public aid is forbidden and if it is acceptable, then, only conditionally. Due to the character of this form of granting aid, one should consider that aid in form of customs exemption is realised as de minimis aid, thus, without notification.