Businesses want reference prices lifted

TIRANA, Sept. 14 – Reference prices in customs points remain a trade barrier for Albanian businesses. This was announced by different businesses in a forum with the American Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, when they called for the removal of reference prices. Reference prices – criteria of determining them and the measures adopted to avoid abusive implementation by the customs officers was one of the key points discussed in the forum. Genc Boga of the American Chamber of Commerce said “We witnessed an offer made to us by the general directors for removing the reference prices. After one year, we were told that the reference price is the pillar of the customs system. It was a shock! We don’t know what the trend is.” However, the customs administration says reference prices have been on a falling trend. “Currently, this method is being implemented at a level of 15 percent, and we are planning to go at 13%, since it is constantly decreasing”, said Flamur Gjyrmishka, the customs general director. The reference prices were introduced after businesses abuse with real price of goods in their bills.