Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – According to the Customs Administration, the European Commission (EC) has recognized Montenegro’s significant progress in the field of customs policy and alignment with the European Union (EU) acquis under Chapter 29 – Customs union.

In its Montenegro 2025 Report, the EC stated that Montenegro is moderately prepared for the Customs Union and that good progress was made in that area.

“It was particularly highlighted that the Customs Administration made good progress in the implementation of the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS), thereby meeting the conditions for Montenegro’s accession to the Convention on a Common Transit (CTC) as of November 1 this year, as well as to the Convention on the Simplification of Formalities in Trade in Goods. This marks one of the most important steps in the EU integration process in the field of customs,” the customs authority stated in a press release.

It was noted that the activities carried out by the Customs Administration during the 2024/2025 reporting period resulted in significant progress across all key areas – legislative alignment, strengthening of customs service capacities, digitalization of procedures, and improvement of mechanisms to combat smuggling and the informal economy.

Concerning operational and administrative capacity, it was noted that the Business Strategy for 2024-2026, the IT Strategy 2024-2026, as well as Integrity Plan 2025-2026 were adopted, all contributing to professionalization, transparency, and the fight against corruption.

“In the coming period, the Customs Administration will continue intensive activities aimed at achieving interoperability and interconnectivity with the EU through the implementation of customs systems in line with EC recommendations, as well as by strengthening cooperation with the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF),” the press release reads.