One digital counter for all import procedures: The Customs Administration must adapt its work system by 2028

The Customs Administration must establish a national single window for customs procedures within two years as a centralized digital center for electronic data exchange between the customs authority and the economy, in accordance with European directives, because the current system is outdated, represents a burden on the economy, makes data exchange difficult and is a source of errors.

This was stated in the explanatory memorandum to the draft Law on the National Single Window Environment for Customs, which has been put up for public discussion until June 17.

The law, as stated, aims to improve the system, more efficient electronic data exchange, reduce administrative burdens, shorten the processing time of requests and increase the transparency of procedures, as well as eliminate the need to resubmit the same or similar data.

"The implementation of the law will have a positive impact on economic entities, primarily through the reduction of administrative burdens, simplification of procedures and more efficient electronic communication with competent authorities. A positive impact is also expected on the work of the customs authority and other competent public law authorities, through improved mutual coordination, more efficient exchange of data, greater transparency of procedures and the creation of conditions for more effective control and verification of data on non-customs formalities," the explanation states.

The analysis of the regulations indicates that the existing system of customs services, which businessmen have been complaining about for years, is poor and complicated.

"In the existing system of implementing customs and non-customs formalities in Montenegro, economic entities are obliged to submit data, requests and supporting documentation separately to different competent public authorities, in accordance with the regulations under their jurisdiction. This fragmented approach: increases the administrative burden for economic entities, extends the time for processing requests and making decisions, increases the risk of errors, inconsistencies and repeated submission of the same or similar data, makes data exchange and coordination between the customs authority and other public authorities more difficult, and limits the possibility of full digitalization and interoperability of information systems," the analysis states.

They also point out that the existing system does not have the ability to automatically verify data on the completion of non-customs formalities listed in the customs declaration.

"The verification of this data is largely based on manual procedures and the submission of documentation by economic operators, which: increases the burden on the customs authority and other competent institutions, prolongs the duration of procedures, increases the risk of inaccurate or incomplete information, and reduces the efficiency of control and enforcement," the document states.

The existing legislative framework, as indicated, does not provide a single and comprehensive legal basis for electronic communication, data exchange, clear definition of the competencies of the public authorities involved, system management, or the application of information security measures within such a system.

"Procedures related to the import, export and transit of goods are carried out through multiple, disconnected systems and competent authorities, which results in multiple submissions of the same data, duplication of administrative actions and prolongation of procedures. Such a situation generates additional costs for economic entities, burdens public administration and makes it difficult to effectively implement the state's control functions. The causes of the identified problems are reflected in the fragmented legal framework, the lack of a centralized digital solution, the absence of a harmonized data model, as well as the absence of a clear management and financial model for data exchange between competent authorities," the analysis states.

Maintaining the existing normative and institutional work of the Customs Administration, as explained, would prevent the systematic resolution of the identified problems.

"Procedures related to the import, export and transit of goods would continue to be carried out through multiple, disconnected systems and with separate communication with different competent authorities, which would maintain the current level of administrative burden for economic operators and public administration. At the same time, there would be no possibility of establishing uniform rules for electronic data exchange, improving the interoperability of information systems and automatic verification of data on non-customs formalities specified in the customs declaration. As a result, the duration of procedures would remain extended, the risk of errors and non-compliance would persist, and the process of digital transformation in the area of ​​customs and non-customs formalities would be slowed down. Maintaining the current situation would further complicate the fulfillment of Montenegro's international obligations in the area of ​​trade facilitation and further harmonization with modern European standards," the document states.

The system will cost 4,2 million, users will pay a fee

The analysis published with the Draft Law states that the implementation of this system will cost 3,8 million euros, while the costs of project management, supervision and control will total 4,2 million euros.

"The annual operating costs of the system are estimated at approximately 0,9 million euros, and are planned to be covered through a fee for using the system, in accordance with the financial model of the National Single Window and the commitment to ensure sustainable functioning, maintenance and further improvement of the system," the explanation stated.

The law states that businesses will pay a fee for using the National Single Window for Customs, the type, amount and method of payment of which will be determined by the Government by decision. This fee will be revenue for the state budget.