Workshop on сustoms Issues along TRACECA routes organized by the PS of the IGC TRACECA on capacity building in the field of digitalization, electronic information exchange and bonded warehouses was held on 27 November 2024 via videoconferencing

The main objective of the workshop was to discuss relevant issues in customs, in particular in the field of digitalization and use of paperless accompanied documents to the customs declarations; electronic Information exchange between railways and customs authorities; and opportunities for efficient use of bonded customs warehouses and free zones along TRACECA corridor.

Within the framework of the first session of the workshop, Ms. Gordana Vidanović, (Technical Officer, WCO) presented WCO instruments and tools that support digitalization; Dr. Hanane Becha (UN/CEFACT Vice chair) provided an overview of UN/CEFACT standards for multimodal digitalization; Mr. Dominique Menon (ePhyto Programme Officer, IPPC Secretariat) deliberated on the experience from use of IPPC ePhyto Solution and potential use by Customs Authorities; Ms. Svetlana Raudonen (Policy Officer, DG TAXUD) introduced the EU e-PoC project for the digitalization of proofs of origin. Representatives of customs authorities of selected TRACECA countries also made presentations, including on the research of possible use of artificial intelligence in Customs (by the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration – IRICA) and on practical implementation of digitalization with processing in Customs IT system and Single Window system (by the Tajikistan Customs Service).

The second session of the workshop continued with presentations on the pilot project for use of eCIM/SMGS railway consignment note along selected TRACECA routes (Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Türkiye and Ukraine) by representative of the PS IGC TRACECA and use of TEZ Customs platform that supports electronic transit coming from China through Kazakhstan to third countries by representatives from the Customs authorities of Kazakhstan and TEZ Customs.

At the workshop TRACECA Review of bonded warehouses and zones was also presented with highlights on comparative analysis of existing practicesin the TRACECA countries and best international experiences.

The PS IGC TRACECA works on a regular basis in the field of harmonization and simplification of customs procedures and formalities at border crossings and seaports along the TRACECA routes by providing a platform for workshop to exchange experiences, discuss ideas and further cooperation.

News on topic:

Workshop on Customs Issues along TRACECA routes organized by the Permanent Secretariat of the IGC TRACECA on capacity building in the field of Single Window and Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs) was held on 2 July 2024