Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – The closure of Chapter 29 – Customs Union has confirmed the Customs Administration’s readiness for full integration into the European customs area.

The Customs Administration announced that Chapter 29 was formally closed at the Intergovernmental Conference held in Brussels on Tuesday, attended by representatives of the institution.

The Administration said the milestone confirmed Montenegro had successfully completed comprehensive reforms in customs legislation, administrative modernisation and the digitalisation of customs procedures, aligning its customs system with EU standards and preparing it for integration into the Union’s single customs area.

The Customs Union is one of the foundations of the EU single market, based on the free movement of goods, common rules and a unified customs policy towards third countries.

During the accession process, the Customs Administration aligned national legislation with the EU acquis, strengthened risk management, intellectual property protection and customs security, introduced the Authorised Economic Operator programme, and developed modern IT systems essential for the functioning of the European customs framework.

The Administration said reforms had established a modern legal and institutional framework, enabling harmonised customs procedures, electronic processing, more efficient risk management and enhanced data exchange with EU member states. A key achievement was the development of interoperable IT systems, including the implementation of NCTS Phase 6, the Import Control System 2 (ICS2), the Automated Export System (AES) and other common EU customs platforms.

According to the Administration, the closure of Chapter 29 will bring simpler, faster and more predictable customs procedures, reduced administrative burdens, more efficient international trade and greater legal certainty for businesses, while citizens will benefit from improved consumer protection, higher-quality products and smoother movement of goods.

Upon Montenegro’s accession to the EU, the Customs Administration will become part of the Union’s integrated customs system and will be responsible for protecting one of its external borders, requiring continued investment in professional, administrative and technical capacities, digital solutions and the application of the highest European standards in customs controls and risk management.

The Customs Administration reaffirmed its commitment to continuing reforms for the benefit of citizens and the economy.