POSITION CLASSIFICATION AND SALARY FRAMEWORK IN UKRAINE’S CUSTOMS SERVICE: EMERGING LEGAL APPROACHES

Abstract

The aim of this study is to conduct a legal analysis of the current system of position classification and remuneration within Ukraine’s customs authorities in the context of civil service transformation, the implementation of European standards, and the introduction of a competency-based approach to human resource policy. Particular attention is devoted to examining the regulatory content of Cabinet of Ministers Resolutions No. 369 of 1 April 2025 and No. 618 of 23 May 2025, which constitute key legislative instruments in the reform of the institutional model of public service. Methods. The study employs a formal legal method to analyse legislative and subordinate regulatory acts, including the aforementioned government resolutions; a comparative legal method to juxtapose the national framework with the provisions of the European Union Customs Competency Framework; a systemic and structural method to uncover the internal logic of the classification model; and a functional approach to establish the correlation between job functions and remuneration. Results. It has been established that the introduction of a new model for the classification of civil service positions – based on functional families, position levels, types of authorities, and levels of jurisdiction – contributes to the unification of the personnel system and enhances the effectiveness of workforce planning. In the customs administration, this model enables a more accurate reflection of functional workload and facilitates the differentiation of positions by groups in accordance with the levels of customs competencies. Conclusions. The introduction of a new system of position classification and remuneration should be viewed not merely as a tool for organizational restructuring, but as a manifestation of deeper reforms within Ukraine’s public service. In the customs administration, this system lays the groundwork for staff professionalization, the implementation of results-based management, and alignment with European standards of public administration.