Proceedings of the 14th Meeting of
The COMCEC Trade Working Group
12
Governments are encouraged to establish separate infrastructure for different types of risks,
and ensure separate lanes for green and red corridors.
Discussion
1. The use of electronic seals, especially by the AEO certificate holders, is connected with high
expenses and misuse of data. Are there any solutions for the decreasing expenses and avoiding data
misuse?
The issuing, management, and usage of electronic seals are usually based on the authorization
granted by the Customs Administration or another governmental body. If a private company
(having clear commercial and profit interest) is granted for the issuance and management of
electronic seals, there is a risk that it could charge for the use of electronic seals the amount
which is difficult to accept by economic operators (if this price is not regulated by the Customs
Administration or another governmental body) and there is a risk that this company could
misuse this authorization. The solution could be that a trade association (non-profit body),
representing the interest of economic operators in customs clearance and in customs transit
regime, would be granted for the issuance and management of electronic seals. By this way, the
risk concerned could be minimized.
2. What are the options to combat smuggling and fraud in transit regimes?
According to the experiences from the EU, the implementation of online computerized customs
transit system is a very efficient tool in combating smuggling and frauds in the customs transit
regime. Fast recognition of smuggling and frauds in the customs transit regime will help the
customs authorities take immediate and efficient actions against these activities and reduce the
damages for all stakeholders – government, guarantor, and economic operators (transporters).