By AZE.US
Azerbaijan has introduced simplified customs control and clearance procedures for vehicles and other goods entering or leaving the country.
The amendments to the Customs Code, adopted on June 19, took effect on September 3, AZE.US reports, citing Trend.
Under the new rules, customs authorities may provide priority inspections and recognize identification devices and seals applied to vehicles by foreign trade participants.
Certain goods may also be loaded or unloaded without customs officers being present. Customs authorities will not always be required to designate a specific transportation route for cargo under their supervision.
Other simplified procedures include:
- Immediate and priority release of goods and vehicles;
- Release of imported goods based on a short-form import declaration;
- Use of simplified customs declarations;
- Priority processing at Trade Facilitation Centers;
- Direct delivery of imported goods to warehouses operated by the recipient;
- Temporary storage at facilities used by the owner;
- Electronic submission of export declarations and direct delivery to border checkpoints;
- Waiver of customs-debt guarantees in cases covered by the legislation.
Special simplified procedures will apply to live animals, perishable goods, radioactive materials, media equipment and supplies, and goods purchased for defense and national security purposes.
Preferential clearance will also be available for goods and vehicles needed during pandemics, infectious disease outbreaks, natural disasters and other emergencies.
State Customs Committee Chairman Shahin Bagirov previously said the changes were intended to reduce administrative barriers, expand digital customs services and strengthen Azerbaijan’s transit potential.
One of the principal innovations is the proposed “single electronic declaration” system for multimodal transportation.
Officials expect closer integration with international transit systems to accelerate cargo movement and strengthen Azerbaijan’s position as a regional transportation and logistics hub.
Detailed rules governing the new preferential and simplified procedures will be established by the relevant executive authority.
AZE.US