Services

In May 2017, the CEFTA Joint Committee adopted the Additional Protocol No. 5 (AP5), which entered into force in April 2018. Article 3 of the AP5 on “General objective” requires CEFTA Parties to:

• Simplify inspections related to all clearance procedures and reduce formalities to the possible maximum extent;
  
• Exchange data between Customs authorities to the extent that each CEFTA Party’s respective regulations allow; and
  
• Mutually recognise the national Authorised Economic Operators’ Programmes in each CEFTA Party, provided that both the legislation and implementation of each AEO programme is fully in line with the relevant EU laws.
  

The AP5 goes hand in hand with the activities under theMulti-Annual Action Plan for a Regional Economic Area in the Western Balkans Six (MAP) and the Common Regional Market Action Plan 2025-2028 (CRM 2.0).

The AP5 seeks to facilitate trade and the exchange of electronic data among CEFTA Parties by streamlining Customs procedures, promoting mutual recognition of documents, and encouraging the use of electronic payment systems. The AP5 contains measures providing for:

• Simplification of inspections: Streamlining Customs inspections to reduce formalities and expedite clearance procedures for goods;
  
• Data exchange between Customs authorities: Facilitating the exchange of data to improve risk analysis and enhance the efficiency of Customs operations;
  
• Establishment and mutual recognition of AEO status: Recognising and accepting the AEO status of businesses across CEFTA Parties, which allows for reduced Customs controls and expedited processing;
  
• Use of electronic payment systems: Encouraging the adoption of electronic payment options for Customs duties and fees to streamline transactions;
  
• Acceptance of electronic and paper copies: Allowing the use of both electronic and paper copies of supporting documents for import and export processes;
  
• Regular reviews of formalities: Conducting periodic reviews of import, export, and transit formalities to ensure they remain efficient and relevant; and
  
• Coordination on international standards: Encouraging CEFTA Parties to align their practices with relevant international standards to facilitate smoother trade operations.