Azernews.Az

By Leman Mammadova

A meeting was held in the Astara District of Azerbaijan between the officials of the Azerbaijani and Iranian customs authorities.

As part of the procedures regulated by the Customs Convention on the International Transport of Goods under Cover of TIR Carnets, the two countries discussed e-TIR Pilot project, which provides for full e-government of transit operations between Azerbaijan and Iran.

The meeting focused on promoting computerization through electronic platforms of customs control over international road transport, along with the issues of customs regulation of international transport using modern electronic methods. The preparation of a bilateral execution plan for coordinating activities in this area was also mulled.

The parties discussed the relevant legislative framework for the e-TIR Pilot project, setting a time frame for commencing the first pilot shipments, the creation of technical capabilities, and conducting training for customs officers on the use of the electronic system.

Cooperation between the customs authorities of Azerbaijan and Iran in this area will contribute to expanding the transit potential of both countries – key figures of the North-South international transport corridor, and increasing the competitiveness of international transport.

Azerbaijan and Iran signed the basic principles for the e-government of international transport procedures in October 2018 and January 2019, respectively.

Iran sees Azerbaijan as a hub to reach larger regional markets. The cooperation on transportation between Iran and Russia through Azerbaijan is crucial in the realization of the International North-South Transport Corridor project. In 2017, the increase in cargo transportation through the territory of Azerbaijan between Russia and Iran was 68 percent.

The eTIR international system aims to ensure the secure exchange of data between national Customs systems related to the international transit of goods, vehicles or containers.

It should be noted that the first eTIR pilot project implemented between Turkey and Iran.

In addition, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Georgia and Ukraine are working on launching the eTIR system on the East-West route.

Simplifying transit cargo transportation, both on the East-West and North-South routes, is a priority for Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan also appealed to the joint EU-EFTA (European Free-Trade Association) committee, which is the governing body of the conventions on a common transit procedure and on the simplification of formalities in trade in goods, to speed up the implementation of the New Computerized Transit System (NCTS), which will allow to exchange information based on bilateral agreements.

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Leman Mammadova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @leman_888

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