TRIPP Implementation Framework affirms Armenia’s non-negotiable sovereignty over borders and customs

Armenia and the U.S. stipulated in the TRIPP Implementation Framework (TIF) that Armenia’s sovereignty and jurisdiction over border and customs operations are absolute and non-negotiable.

According to the TIF, all border and customs activities are expected to operate according to internationally recognized standards for border management while upholding the principles of the August 8th declaration using a front office-back office operating model.

Armenia intends to further develop and implement modern Integrated Border Management (IBM) practices, which may be supported by U.S. technical assistance, including: Risk-based inspection and clearance procedures, Advanced screening technologies, Digital customs and border systems, Coordinated inter-agency processes, Professional capacity building for Armenian officers.

Pilot Projects

Armenia intends to conduct pilot projects to optimize:

Customs preclearance procedures

Digitized documentation and processing

One-stop border post concepts

Technology-enabled risk assessment

Coordinated border management with neighboring countries

“Front Office – Back Office” Operating Model

To enhance efficiency while maintaining Armenia’s sovereignty and jurisdiction, TRIPP is expected to employ a “front office – back office” model, using digital tools to facilitate unimpeded connectivity.

Front Office (Third-Party Operators)

It is intended that private operators contracted by the TRIPP Development Company will provide customer-facing services:

Initial document collection for verification

Information and guidance to users

Fee collection and payment processing on trade and transit. Taxes, customs duties, and other mandatory fees of the Republic of Armenia shall be remitted directly to the state budget of the Republic of Armenia in accordance with the applicable legislation and fiscal procedures

Facilitation and coordination

Administrative support

Back Office (Armenian State Authorities)

Armenian customs and border officials exercise all sovereign authority – in line with Armenian domestic law and international agreements.

Final customs decisions and clearances

Security screening and enforcement

Immigration control

Law enforcement actions

Permits and authorizations

Inspection and examination

Clear Lines of Authority

Front office operators facilitate; they do not decide

Armenian officials maintain a physical presence in all Armenian border and customs facilities

No outsourcing of sovereign functions