Ulsan:<Text>
The customs agency has announced plans to ease customs regulations for the maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) of U.S. naval vessels at domestic shipyards, aiming to address a rise in demand for such services.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the initiative follows a meeting between Lee Myung-ku, the commissioner of the Korea Customs Service (KCS), and representatives from the local shipbuilding industry in Ulsan. The meeting, which took place on Thursday, focused on facilitating increased orders for MRO services for U.S. naval vessels.
The Korea Customs Service intends to extend tax benefits to shipbuilders performing MRO tasks on U.S. battleships at standard piers, similar to those provided at bonded factories. Bonded factories are licensed zones where shippers can utilize imported raw materials without incurring duties.
Additionally, the KCS is considering expanding permits for the storage of large raw materials, such a s steel plates, outside bonded factories. The agency aims to streamline procedures related to the inventory management of these materials, thereby simplifying operational logistics for shipbuilders.
<P/></Text>