Albania–EU: Coordination Begins on the Implementation of Digital Customs Systems

Brussels, 1 October 2026 – A delegation from the Albanian Customs Administration, headed by Director General Mr Besmir Beja, took part in Brussels in the first coordination meeting between Albania and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD), in the context of Albania’s implementation of EU digital customs systems.

The meeting focused on the progress of the Albanian Customs Administration’s preparations towards achieving full interoperability with the European Union’s digital customs environment, as an important component of the European integration process.

During the discussions, the current state of play and planning for the implementation of ASYCUDA 5 were presented, along with progress on other digital customs systems, including TARIC, the National Single Window, ASYHUB and NCTS. In this context, the Albanian delegation presented the work carried out to date and the planning for the next stages of preparation.

In his remarks, Mr Beja stressed that the digitalisation of Albania’s customs infrastructure and its interoperability with European Union systems are among the Albanian Government’s top priorities.

The Director General of Customs emphasised: “We are even more determined to develop, together with UNCTAD, the 22 new systems and modules on time and in line with EU standards, as well as to ensure the timely interoperability of our new ASY5 system with NCTS, ITMS and the National Single Window.”

Part of the meeting was dedicated to the methodology for cooperation between Albania and DG TAXUD, progress reporting and monitoring, the exchange of contact points for specific projects, as well as further technical coordination between the parties. The discussions also focused on establishing a regular coordination and monitoring mechanism through periodic meetings on specific projects and quarterly meetings to assess the overall progress of the process.

Supported by a clear short-term action plan, the coordination process with DG TAXUD aims to accelerate progress towards one of Albania’s key benchmarks in the negotiations for the closure of Chapter 29, “Customs Union”.

In parallel with the implementation of NCTS, Albania is moving forward with the legal preparations for accession to the Convention on a Common Transit Procedure. The draft law approving the Convention has been prepared by the Albanian Customs Administration and is expected to be submitted shortly for consideration by the Council of Ministers and subsequently by the Parliament of the Republic of Albania, in accordance with national procedures.