From the beginning of the year to September, the Customs Administration collected 495,3 million euros in revenue, which is 19,32 percent less compared to the same period last year.
The Customs Administration said that this is a consequence of the decline in turnover in domestic and foreign trade, as well as a decrease in economic activity due to the economic crisis that has occurred since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"In this year, the Customs Administration independently and in cooperation with other state bodies discovered the smuggling of goods worth 1,99 million euros, of which 84 percent are cigarettes and other excise goods. Based on the above results, a total of 16 criminal charges were submitted to the competent prosecutor", the statement of the Administration on the occasion of the Customs Service Day, which is celebrated on October 18, states.
The Customs Administration said that 173 misdemeanor orders were issued and fines in the amount of EUR 99,15 thousand were imposed.
In the subsequent control procedure, irregularities were discovered and decisions were made on the collection of customs debt in the amount of 984 thousand euros.
"When it comes to drug smuggling, in five cases the officers of the Customs Administration seized 33 kilograms of skunk, 12 kilograms of heroin and 53 kilograms of hashish," the statement added.
According to its representatives, the Customs Administration has extremely successfully implemented the set strategic goals, which relate to harmonization with EU legislation, trade facilitation, protection and security of the customs area, strengthening of transparency, corporate culture and integrity.
"The year that is behind us was marked by extraordinary results in all areas of work of the customs service, as well as by the adequate response of customs in relation to the challenges of the health crisis in the cross-border movement of goods", said the Customs Administration.
The Customs Administration contributed to reducing the negative effects of the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, by implementing several measures to simplify and speed up customs procedures at the border with the aim of stable and uninterrupted supply, which ensured savings in time and money, as well as support to the population, institutions and the economy during the crisis.
"As a contribution to the cross-border movement of goods and regional cooperation, the Customs Administration has successfully implemented the project Green Corridors of CEFTA countries. "Protecting the health of customs officials, as a prerequisite for adequately fulfilling the extremely important role of the customs service, is constantly in the focus of the attention of the Customs Administration," the announcement states.
In accordance with the EU customs agenda, the implementation of Trade Facilitation and simplified procedures continued. The AEO Program was established within the legal and organizational framework, which was confirmed by the Validation Mission of the CEFTA contracting parties.
"In accordance with the highest EU standards in the field of cooperation and partnership between the Customs Administration and the business community, the first status of an authorized business entity was granted in mid-September, which is a historic moment for the Customs Administration when it comes to trade facilitation, security and control of the supply chain," the Customs Administration reminded.
AEO status is granted for customs simplifications (AEOC) and safety and security (AEOS). By obtaining the status of AEO, the company is recognized by customs as a reliable partner, which gives it the right to use a number of benefits in the customs procedure.
They reminded that the implementation of the project Support to the Customs Administration in the area of excise duties from EU IPA 2015 funds is in the final phase, which will, among other things, enable electronic communication between the Customs Administration and excise payers.
"The Customs Administration, respecting the provisions of the EC decision on technical standards for safety features for tobacco products and the provisions of the FCTC, initiated the procedure of modernizing the way of marking tobacco products and alcoholic beverages with excise stamps through the development of a system for electronic management of excise stamps, which will enable electronic approval, ordering and issuance of excise stamps, as well as electronic record keeping of issued, used and unused excise stamps for tobacco products and alcoholic beverages," he states. in the announcement.
By implementing projects, the Customs Administration integrates its systems with the EU and international customs and security systems, which is one of the more complex requirements that Montenegro must fulfill on its way to the EU. At the same time, the efficiency of the customs service in suppressing illegal trade in all goods, especially tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, will be improved.
"The report on the progress of Montenegro in the process of EU integration for Chapter 29 - Customs Union, stated a high degree of compliance of the customs legislation with the acquis of the EU, which makes us proud and confirms the correctness of our professional efforts", said the Customs Administration.
Progress has been noted in many areas of customs, especially in the implementation of the NCTS project, the project for excise duties, the project for inspection supervision, the strengthening of subsequent control, the protection of intellectual property rights, the increased supervision in the Port of Bar, including joint actions with the police, the strengthening of capacities in financial investigations, as well as the integrity of customs officials and the strengthening of anti-corruption measures.
"In the part of the report that refers to Chapter 24, the increased efforts in law enforcement and improved cooperation of the Customs Administration with the EU and international partners are highlighted, which is one of the focuses of the work of the Customs Administration," the statement added.
The Customs Administration said that the protection and security of the customs area, the fight against smuggling and customs fraud were and remain key priorities. The Customs Administration achieves effective cooperation with the Prosecutor's Office, the Police Administration and other law enforcement authorities in order to fulfill the stated priorities, which is best demonstrated by the results of confiscated contraband, criminal and misdemeanor reports, investigations conducted, and information exchanged at the national and international level.
"Proud of the results it has achieved, the Customs Administration will continue to effectively perform its legal responsibilities and affirm other aspects of its work, above all transparency, corporate culture and integrity," the statement concludes.
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