Classification Criteria as Reference Points in Sources of International Customs Law

Abstract

The article deals with the sources of international customs law. Different grounds for their classification are considered. Simple criteria for the classification of international legal acts are proposed. Documents with similar regulation subjects are compared. A brief comparative analysis of the International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures and the Agreement on Trade Facilitation is given. The features of the World Trade Organization law, in particular legal texts, regulating international customs relations are highlighted. Other international conventions with a customs reference are cited. Attention is drawn to regional and bilateral agreements in customs regulation and international customs cooperation. Non-legal customs standards, recommendations are their impact on law enforcement and customs rulemaking are stressed. Absence of a unified system of acts regulating international customs relations is noted.