Armenia, Iran sign protocol on simplified customs procedures

Armenia and Iran have signed a protocol on the exchange of advance information on goods and means of transport moved through their territories, aimed at facilitating customs procedures and creating more favorable conditions for law-abiding participants in foreign economic activity, under an initiative called the “Simplified Customs Corridor.”

The protocol was signed during a meeting between a delegation led by Chairman of Armenia’s State Revenue Committee (SRC) Eduard Hakobyan and a delegation led by Foroud Asgari, Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance of Iran and Head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration.

The meeting highlighted the steps taken recently to strengthen cooperation and stressed the need for closer cooperation on various issues in the near future.

The SRC said in a press release that the sides discussed a number of issues of mutual interest aimed at facilitating cross-border trade flows and control operations between the two countries.

In particular, emphasizing the regular exchange of advance data as an important tool for facilitating mutual trade and ensuring security, the sides outlined the steps necessary for the system to be launched as early as possible. They also discussed efforts toward the mutual recognition of authorized economic operators and steps toward reaching a final agreement.

The sides also reached an agreement on extending the term of the agreement on the joint use of the Meghri-Norduz border gate.

They also discussed mechanisms for monitoring border throughput and increasing capacity.

As part of the visit, the SRC delegation also toured the Norduz border crossing, where Iran’s achievements in the digitalization of the customs system were presented. The sides also discussed other issues of mutual interest.

SRC Chairman Eduard Hakobyan said that Armenia is decisively moving toward expanding regional development, stability and connectivity.

He emphasized that the best way to address regional challenges and achieve shared prosperity is to combine efforts based on mutual trust.

“In this context, it is also important for the two countries to mutually contribute to establishing themselves as important regional logistics hubs. This mutual development and close cooperation are of great importance for bilateral economic growth and sustainable regional development,” Eduard Hakobyan said.

The protocol on the organization of the exchange of advance information on goods and means of transport moved through the territories of the Republic of Armenia and the Islamic Republic of Iran (the “Simplified Customs Corridor”) was signed at the conclusion of the meeting. Its main purpose is to create more favorable conditions for law-abiding participants in foreign economic activity and accelerate procedures related to customs control and clearance.

The sides also signed a protocol on the agreements reached during the meeting.