Communications between customs administrations and different agencies involved in clearance of goods in the region has been upgraded. The customs, phytosanitary, veterinary and food inspections will receive the pre-arrival information through the SEED (Systematic Exchange of Electronic Data) not only for goods of first necessity but all goods that require phytosanitary, veterinary or food inspections. In practical terms, this means that announcing consignments in advance will help the agencies at the BCPs/CCPs better plan their resources, further improve the efficiency of the clearance procedures, and speed up the flow of goods. The extended concept will also contribute to reducing waiting times at the crossing points, and subsequently reducing the transport and trade costs for the businesses.

“The SEED system is a key instrument for a secure and fast exchange of the information among the agencies involved in clearance procedures. We are proud that we can gradually build up its functionalities and support the work of the administrations. SEED has also proven itself as a trustful tool for doing analysis which helped the agencies to identify the bottlenecks and improve the work processes at the crossing points. “stated Emir Djikic, Director of the CEFTA Secretariat.

Electronic exchange of pre-arrival information on essential goods among the agencies involved in the clearance was introduced two years ago as part of the Green Lanes initiative.