On October 29,  the International Customs Forum opened at the World Trade Center in Moscow. 

The first event of the day was the session "Reducing border control time. Implementation of the order of the President of the Russian Federation of February 29, 2024". To accomplish this task, it is necessary to ensure the consolidation of the efforts of all state control bodies, ministries and departments that organize work at checkpoints.

Deputy Head of the Federal Customs Service of Russia Denis Tereshchenko noted that last year work was completed on the introduction of an automated checkpoint system, within the framework of which electronic interaction with federal executive authorities providing control functions was implemented. The system replaced several  software tools that were used previously. This was quite inconvenient, since the inspector had to perform similar functions in different programs. 

"Every day, from 25 to 30 thousand requests are sent to the information systems of departments from the automated system of the checkpoint. We pass on the information we have to our colleagues. One request takes on average  1.5-2 minutes to receive the information," said  Denis Tereshchenko.

He noted that the Federal Customs Service of Russia has implemented an algorithm for automatic decision-making when placing goods under the transit procedure; for 45% of consignments of goods, the procedure is opened practically without human intervention.

Another event of the day was the session "International Customs Cooperation as a Tool for Ensuring Compliance with Prohibitions and Restrictions".  Representatives of customs services of different countries together with experts from Rosprirodnadzor discussed issues of developing international cooperation in the field of prohibitions and restrictions that contribute to the protection of national security, the life and health of animals, the safety of plants and the environment.

Deputy Head of the Federal Customs Service of Russia Sergey Shklyaev spoke about the Service's proposals to expand electronic interaction with other federal agencies and foreign customs services within the framework of the CITES Convention. According to him, the Convention, adopted in 1973, should be changed, including paper documents - to digital tools. This will help speed up and simplify customs operations, as well as eliminate subjective factors when checking information due to the automation of processes.

At the round table "Violations in the Customs Sphere. Balance of Interests of the State and Participants in Foreign Economic Activity" the parties discussed issues of administrative legislation and the adoption of new regulations related to criminal liability.

“Information technologies are developing, and issues of digitalization of administrative proceedings and the transition to electronic interaction between administrative bodies and participants in foreign economic activity are particularly relevant,”  emphasized Oleg Gubaidulin, Deputy Head of the Federal Customs Service of Russia.

The forum also included a session entitled  "The Institute of Authorized Economic Operator as a Modern Instrument of Interaction between Customs and Business." The advantages of obtaining such status include a reduction in the time required to issue permits and a priority procedure for obtaining them, as well as the possibility of applying markings after import of goods and a reduction in the list of procedures for assessing their conformity.

Of particular importance for the development of the UEO institute is the expansion of the geography of its mutual recognition. Agreements have already been signed with China, India,  Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. Active negotiations are underway with South Africa, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Brazil, Mongolia, Azerbaijan, and Cuba.

A round table was also held on the main areas of international customs cooperation in the fight against drug smuggling.  In 2023-2024, 1,655 cases of illegal movement of narcotic drugs, their analogues, psychotropic substances and their precursors, as well as potent substances were stopped. About 40 tons of prohibited substances were seized, including 3,244 kg of cocaine, 2,192 kg of hashish and hashish oil.