Business–Customs Forum Held in Durrës

Durrës, 2 June 2026 – The General Directorate of Customs organized today in Durrës the Business–Customs Forum, an important platform for dialogue with the business community, focused on the challenges and opportunities arising from the European integration process, the modernization of the Customs Administration, and the expansion of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme.
In his opening remarks, the Director General of Customs, Mr. Besmir Beja, presented the key priorities of the Albanian Customs Administration in the context of Albania’s accession process to the European Union. He emphasized that the primary focus remains the full alignment of Albanian customs legislation with the EU acquis communautaire, institutional modernization, and the development of advanced technological systems in line with European Union standards.
Mr. Beja announced that the General Directorate of Customs has submitted to the Ministry of Finance a package of amendments to the Customs Code, aimed at fully harmonizing the legal framework with EU legislation. At the same time, efforts are underway to strengthen administrative capacities and review the organizational structure in order to meet the requirements of the integration process.
Another key pillar of the reform is the digital transformation of customs services. In cooperation with UNCTAD, the Customs Administration will develop and integrate 24 new systems and modules, ensuring interoperability with European Union customs systems and creating the conditions for a modern, efficient, and risk-based administration.
The President of the Durrës Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Neritan Golja, highlighted the importance of continuous dialogue between the Customs Administration and the business community as a key factor for enhancing competitiveness and preparing Albanian enterprises for the European market.
During the forum, it was emphasized that the success of the integration process does not depend solely on the Customs Administration but also requires the active engagement of the business sector. Meeting the obligations arising from negotiations under Chapter 29 – Customs Union, and achieving the objective of closing negotiations within the first quarter of 2027, will require sustained investments in technological systems, human capacities, and processes aligned with European standards.
Special attention was given to the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme, which represents one of the most important instruments for trade facilitation and strengthening supply chain security. The Customs Administration has intensified its awareness-raising and communication efforts with businesses, chambers of commerce, and business associations to promote the benefits of AEO status.
Currently, 20 economic operators hold AEO status, while a number of additional applications are under review. This status provides businesses with significant benefits, including fewer physical and documentary controls, priority treatment in customs procedures, easier access to customs simplifications, and advantages linked to mutual recognition agreements with countries in the region and, in the future, with the European single market.
Participants acknowledged the importance of maintaining continuous dialogue between the administration and the business community, emphasizing that close cooperation and joint preparation for European Union standards are key elements in building a more competitive, transparent, and secure trading environment.