Reform Index 143: Mandatory Identification of E-Wallet Owners and Launch of ProZorro Market

In the previous round, the index was +0.6 points.

The launch of electronic catalogs in the ProZorro Market system, +2.0 points

Government customers often buy mass consumption goods – stationery, computers, office equipment, fuel, furniture, household chemicals, and more recently various medical supplies (antiseptics, personal protective equipment). It is not always advisable for suppliers to submit their bids for each tender for the purchase of such goods. There are usually a lot of suppliers, and each purchase can be made for small amounts.

In order for such procurement to be carried out transparently and on a competitive basis and, at the same time, without requiring cumbersome bureaucratic procedures, the Public Procurement Law provides for the creation of electronic catalogs. The electronic catalog Prozorro-Market was introduced in a pilot mode in April 2019 and allowed purchases of up to UAH 50,000. Taking into account this experience, the government decided (Resolution № 822 of September 14, 2020) to launch the possibility of using electronic catalogs on a permanent basis for procurement up to UAH 200,000. This allows public procurement of mass consumption goods to be done in the same way as customers of online stores do. Suppliers will register in the system and post their offers in the electronic catalog, and buyers will enter and choose the right product with the best quality and price characteristics.

Changes in the regulation of the electronic money market, +1.5 points

By Resolution 133 of September 11, 2020, the NBU introduced additional requirements for owners of electronic wallets. Earlier, banks had to identify such owners only if the account balance exceeded UAH 4,000. Identification was not required for small payments. However, this restriction could be misused, in particular, by drug or other goods dealers free circulation of which is prohibited. To close this gap, the NBU has introduced mandatory identification.

This decision harmonizes the Ukrainian legislation on financial monitoring with the EU legislation.