UNCTAD Presents the Automated Export System to Albanian Customs

Tirana, November 11, 2026 — Representatives of the Albanian Customs Administration (ADSH) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) met today for a presentation on the first component of the ASY5 EU system, the Automated Export System (AES), covering its functional processes, technical design, and key steps toward operational readiness.

The presentation was attended by Besmir Beja, Director General of ADSH; Pajtim Melani, Deputy Director General; as well as members of the ADSH AES Working Group. UNCTAD was represented by Nigussie Mohammad, Constantin Ciuta, Ion Cojoaca, and Arben Nikshiqi.

Experts explained how AES supports the electronic submission and processing of export declarations. They outlined the typical journey of an export message — from submission by a trader or customs representative, through processing by the office of export, to the confirmation of departure from the office of exit. The presentation also addressed how customs systems exchange messages and coordinate with relevant national and international systems.

Participants reviewed the system’s technical architecture, including its message-based components, data validation, interfaces, and potential links with tariff, risk management, transit, and excise systems. The functional overview covered declaration acceptance, assignment of the Movement Reference Number (MRN), customs controls, release for export, and electronic confirmation that the goods have exited.

The discussion also focused on the preparations required prior to production deployment. These include agreeing on the scope of the first release and acceptance criteria; completing end-to-end conformance and integration testing; conducting operational acceptance and performance testing; preparing users and support teams; and approving a deployment, monitoring, and fallback plan.

The Automated Export System is the first system to be technically deployed under the Customs Systems Strategy, fulfilling a key requirement for closing the negotiations on Chapter 29 (Customs Union) toward European Union accession.