TRACECA Held the Annual Workshop on Customs Issues along the TRACECA routes

The main goal of the workshop was to facilitate the simplification of customs procedures and formalities at border crossings and seaports along TRACECA routes, discuss digital solutions and coordinated approaches to reduce border crossing times and improve the efficiency of international transport.

The workshop was attended by representatives of customs authorities from the MLA TRACECA member countries, the European Commission (DG TAXUD), the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA), and staff from the Permanent Secretariat of the IGC TRACECA. The workshop included thematic sessions focused on the exchange of practical experience between countries and the discussion of specific initiatives.

During the first session, representatives of DG TAXUD presented an overview of European Union regulations, systems, and new developments related to the use of advance electronic notification and pre-arrival clearance, with a focus on risk management, supply chain security, and the simultaneous facilitation of legitimate trade. CEFTA representatives informed the participants on the functioning of the Systematic Electronic Exchange of Data (SEED), emphasizing its role in improving coordination between customs authorities and reducing border waiting times. Representatives of TRACECA countries' customs administrations shared their national experiences in implementing advance electronic notification, outlining the results achieved, existing challenges, and practical lessons learned.

During the workshop, the draft Agreement on the application of electronic documents along the international transport corridor TRACECA, prepared by the Permanent Secretariat, was also presented for consideration by countries. This draft aims to develop paperless cross-border communication, the mutual recognition of electronic data and documents, and the creation of legal and technical conditions for digital interaction between customs authorities, other competent authorities, and foreign economic participants. The workshop participants exchanged preliminary comments and discussed possible areas for further development of the draft and further steps for its consideration.

Special attention during the workshop was paid to the potential establishment of joint border crossing points between interested TRACECA MLA member states. The Permanent Secretariat presented an Analytical Note on Joint Border Crossing Points and an updated draft TRACECA Model Agreement on Joint Border Crossing Points, prepared with the international standards and national practices taken into account. The discussions included examples of joint border crossing points on the Ukrainian-Moldovan border, including their legal frameworks, practical benefits, and emerging challenges, as well as the current status of the initiative to establish a joint border crossing point on the Azerbaijani-Georgian border. Representatives of the countries exchanged views on their interest in similar mechanisms and possible next steps.

The workshop participants highly valued the opportunity for open expert dialogue and exchange of experience, noting the practical significance of the topics discussed for the further simplification and harmonization of procedures along the TRACECA routes. On the outcome of the workshop, issues requiring further development and discussion at subsequent thematic events were identified.

For reference:

The TRACECA routes connecting Europe, the Caucasus and Asia typically involve transport through several countries, usually including a change in transport mode. Seeking to improve connectivity along the TRACECA routes, the TRACECA countries have undertaken numerous initiatives to harmonize and simplify customs procedures and improve the efficiency of customs services, including digitalization and simplification of customs formalities to streamline border crossing procedures.