Release for Free Circulation in Customs: Evolution and Contemporary Trends

Abstract

Free pratique, which historically emerged as an element of sanitary and quarantine measures, has in modern conditions of globalization transformed into a tool for optimizing customs procedures and ensuring border security. This evolution necessitates a scientific understanding in the context of international and national legal norms. The purpose of the study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of free pratique and to identify modern trends in its application, taking into account its advantages and disadvantages. The methodological basis of the study combines historical and legal analysis to clarify the evolution of the institution of free pratique, a comparative legal method to compare international and national legislation on the regulation of free practice, a systematic approach to comprehensively consider its sanitary and epidemiological, customs and logistics and security aspects, as well as methods of documentary analysis and generalization to formulate conclusions and practical recommendations. The study reveals that free pratique has evolved from medieval quarantine measures into a modern comprehensive instrument of customs and sanitary-epidemiological regulation. In international law, it focuses primarily on preventing the spread of infectious diseases, whereas in the national context of Ukraine it is aimed at simplifying customs and logistics procedures and increasing the efficiency of port infrastructure. It was determined that modern trends in its application are characterized by the digitalization of processes, integration with international standards, the increasing importance of advance information, and the use of risk management systems. The practical significance of the study lies in the fact that the identified advantages and disadvantages may serve as the basis for developing recommendations to improve the free pratique mechanism as a tool for enhancing the competitiveness of sea and river ports, reducing the administrative burden on customs authorities, and ensuring the appropriate level of customs and border security in the context of globalization.