OREANDA-NEWS. December 25, 2008. The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS Russia) initiated proceedings against the Federal Customs Service (FTS Russia) for possible violation of Part 1 Article 15 of the Federal Law "On Protection of Competition", reported the press-centre of FAS Russia.

The case was initiated upon a petition of "Tamozhennaya Karta" Ltd., that since 2000 has been acting as the coordinator for issuing customs cards - the bankcards used for paying customs charges and making other payments. The issuing coordinator provides information support and coordinates actions of all participants of the inter-bank payment system.

Prior to May 2008 the coordinator for issuing customs cards was determined by the credit organizations - issuers of the bankcards in agreement with FTS Russia. In March-June 2008 FTS Russia made some orders, according to which FTC Russia single-handedly determines the coordinator for issuing customs cards. In July 2008 "Tamozhennaya Platezhnaya Sistema" Ltd. was appointed as the coordinator.

FAS Russia considers that FTS could have violated the antimonopoly legislation by making the above orders that limit credit organizations in their choice of economic entities that can offer processing services to ensure informational and technological cooperation in payment of customs charges using customs cards. The orders also unreasonably infringe the interests of "Tamozhennaya Karta" Ltd.

"Tamozhennaya Platezhnaya Sistema" Ltd. is involved in the case as an interested party.

The case hearing is scheduled for 23 January 2009.