Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan Are Accelerating Customs Clearance of Goods Through Digital Exchange
The State Customs Services of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan held a videoconference meeting to discuss the application of preferential treatment and the electronic exchange of preliminary goods data. The talks marked a practical step toward implementing the bilateral agreements and the Cooperation Protocol signed in June 2026. The parties focused on optimizing electronic data exchange, expediting clearance procedures, and increasing mutual trade turnover.
The implementation of advance notification is particularly relevant for the Caspian route—a key artery for cargo transportation between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. The active use of ferry service between the Turkmenbashi International Seaport and the Port of Alat (Baku) requires minimizing the time required to complete port formalities. Advance data exchange allows customs authorities to assess risks in advance and release cargo almost immediately upon the vessel's arrival.
At the same time, the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan is working to prepare national personnel and foreign trade participants for work in a digitalized environment.
Earlier, the agency's Training Center hosted an interdepartmental seminar on the implementation of Smart Customs technologies and artificial intelligence. Representatives from government agencies and businesses were briefed on the practical nuances of submitting preliminary information on goods, maintaining foreign trade statistics, and ensuring the accuracy of declaration data.
