Montenegro will close Chapter 29 – Customs Union at the upcoming Intergovernmental Conference. The EU Customs Union, established in 1968, is one of the foundations of European economic integration and enables the smooth flow of trade, consumer protection and the competitiveness of the European economy in the global market. The main objectives under this chapter concern strengthening economic relations between Member States, developing trade activities, and protecting and ensuring the security of society. Customs administrations are responsible for monitoring the Union’s internal market, protecting the financial and economic interests of the Union and its Member States, combating fraud and protecting intellectual property rights, strengthening security and safety, protecting citizens and the environment, enhancing the administrative capacities of customs administrations and strengthening competition.
These objectives have been achieved through the alignment of customs legislation, harmonisation of customs procedures, development of digital customs, strengthening of administrative capacities, and effective and efficient controls.
“For Montenegro, the closing of this chapter means moving closer to full integration into the European customs area. In practice, this will bring easier movement of goods, fewer administrative barriers and lower costs for businesses. Our companies will be better connected to a market of almost 500 million consumers, opening up new opportunities for business, exports and development,” said Maja Vučinić, Head of the Negotiating Working Group for Chapter 29 – Customs Union.
The application of European customs standards also means greater security for citizens. Stricter controls and more modern systems will help combat smuggling, illegal trade and other abuses, while providing consumers with greater protection and greater safety of products entering the market.
“By closing Chapter 29, Montenegro confirms that its customs system is ready to operate in accordance with European rules. This is an important step for our economy, businesses and citizens, as a more modern and efficient customs system means simpler trade, greater security and better conditions for development,” Vučinić explained.
During the negotiations, Montenegro carried out a number of important reforms – it aligned its regulations with EU rules, improved customs risk management, introduced standards for trusted economic operators and worked on developing modern IT systems that connect customs services. The biggest challenges under this chapter are precisely the mandatory, complex and costly IT customs systems, as well as adequate administrative capacities: a sufficient number of officials and adequate training.
“In order to respond to these challenges, the Government of Montenegro will continue working to improve the aforementioned capacities so that, as a future Member State, Montenegro can effectively protect the EU’s external border,” Vučinić said.
The closing of Chapter 29 – Customs Union is expected in July.