The 2025–2030 Strategy for the Modernization and Harmonization of Albanian Customs Information Systems with the EU is approved (Published on 27/11/2025)

Yesterday, the Council of Ministers approved the "Strategy for the Modernization and Harmonization of Albanian Customs Information Systems with the European Union Systems, for the period 2025–2030", along with the relevant action plan. This strategic document marks aa significant step towards the full compliance of customs systems with EU information technology standards and architecture.

The strategy has been drafted by the General Directorate of Customs, in cooperation with the National Agency for the Information Society and UNCTAD, as well as with the technical assistance of DG TAXUD. The document sets out the priority developments in three sets of systems necessary for the candidate countries in the accession process:

1. Central trans-European systems, developed by the European Commission, including 18 key systems for customs procedures management, certificate exchange, risk management, EORI2, AEO, guarantees, IPR system, integrated tariff etc.
2. Decentralized trans-European systems, such as NCTS (transit), Export Authorization System and centralized customs clearance for imports, which require the development of national components.
3. Necessary national systems, to be developed in accordance with the Union Customs Code and the EU Single Window, such as notification of arrival, presentation, temporary storage and national import system.

The main objective of the strategy is that by 2030, Albania has a customs infrastructure fully harmonized with the EU Customs Code, facilitating the gradual integration into the European common market and consolidating the accession process. The strategy also aims to harmonize and complement the legal framework for customs information systems, in line with the requirements of the European Union.

The implementation of the Strategy and Action Plan is expected to bring direct and long-term benefits, including:

– facilitation of trade (reduction of customs clearance time, increase of operational efficiency);
– economic integration (harmonization with EU standards and easier access to the common market);
– strengthening transparency and institutional integrity;
– increased national security, thanks to advanced risk management systems that prevent smuggling and illegal cross-border activities;
– Benefits for businesses, with reduced administrative costs, simplification of procedures and a more favorable environment for investments, increasing the competitiveness of Albanian companies in international markets.

The General Directorate of Customs remains fully engaged in the European integration process, especially in Chapter 29 – Customs Union, considering the modernization of information systems as one of the main priorities for guaranteeing the efficient functioning of customs as the first and last gateway of entry into the European common market.