An extraordinary meeting of the heads of customs administrations of the CSTO was held in Geneva, attended by CSTO Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev, heads of customs services of the member states, as well as representatives of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and the International Road Transport Union.
In his opening speech, the Secretary General emphasized that this event, taking place against the backdrop of the Global Forum of the UNECE and the session of the Administrative Committee of the TIR Convention, provides an opportunity for the CSTO to present a unified position on the international stage.
The participants discussed the implementation of the Action Plan for the eTIR procedure, as well as the progress of the Agreement on the establishment of a simplified customs corridor, signed in 2022 in Samarkand. Additionally, the preparation for the implementation of the eCMR (electronic consignment note) system within the CSTO framework was also addressed.
Particular attention was paid to the work of the specialized working group engaged in the eCMR pilot project. Kubanychbek Omuraliev noted that the technical and software solutions being developed will serve as the basis for implementing the system at the regional level. He also emphasized the importance of active participation by customs authorities in the practical implementation of digital tools.
Furthermore, the participants considered the possibility of providing priority passage at border crossing points for carriers using digital solutions such as ePermit, eTIR, and eCMR.
As a result of the meeting, the readiness of the CSTO member states to deepen cooperation in the field of customs control, develop digital transit mechanisms, and enhance the level of interconnectedness in the region was confirmed. The decisions made are expected to increase the security, efficiency, and predictability of trade flows, as well as strengthen the CSTO's position in the international customs and transport system.
