Montenegro Integrates into the New Computerised Transit System: Faster and Safer Movement of Goods
Montenegro has become a full member of the Convention on a Common Transit Procedure, enabling the international movement of goods between Montenegro and other contracting parties – the member states of the European Union, EFTA, as well as Georgia, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine – through the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS). This ensures faster, cheaper, and safer international trade.
“The integration of Montenegro into the New Computerised Transit System represents a key step towards the digitalisation of customs procedures, more efficient movement of goods, and reduced costs for businesses. By doing so, we are becoming part of a large European system, which contributes to the faster and safer flow of goods,” stated Maja Vučinić, Director of the Customs Administration.
Copyright: Evropska kuća
Speaking about the importance of this achievement for meeting the criteria of Chapter 29 – Customs Union, and in the context of continuous European support, Bernard Brunet, Head of the Cooperation Section at the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, said: “This is the result of a strategic partnership between Montenegro and the European Union. Through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance, the EU has provided €3 million for the modernisation of the customs administration, while the state has contributed an additional 10% of the funds. The EU will continue to provide support through projects that improve IT systems for business operations and import-export procedures, ensuring Montenegro is fully prepared for future EU membership.”
Copyright: Evropska kuća
Dr Dalibor Pelević of the freight forwarding and shipping agency MSC spoke about the concrete benefits for the economy, emphasising that the implementation of the NCTS will enable shorter transport times and that, with improved hinterland connectivity and further development of the Bar–Belgrade–Budapest corridor, Montenegro could achieve significant economic gains over the next decade.
“On its European path, the Customs Administration is actively digitalising its processes and introducing modern control mechanisms, thereby reducing the time goods spend at border crossings and increasing transport efficiency,” added Mašan Lekić, Head of the Customs Office of the Free Zone Bar.
Copyright: Evropska kuća
Since 2007, through national, regional, and multi-beneficiary IPA programmes, the European Union has provided more than €18 million in support for the modernisation of Montenegro’s customs system – from upgrading IT infrastructure and digitalising procedures to strengthening administrative capacities and border control.
By acceding to the Convention, Montenegro becomes part of a large European network for monitoring and controlling transit, which strengthens the competitiveness of Montenegro’s economic and logistics flows and further connects the country with the European market.
