From 24 to 28 April 2023, the WCO conducted a Mercator follow-up mission to the Customs Administration of the Republic of Serbia (CAS) in Belgrade within the framework of the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP). The purpose of the mission was to verify the progress made concerning the recommendations of the virtual Mercator diagnostic mission carried out in January 2021 and to update the Mercator report and the corresponding Maturity Model.

The WCO experts worked closely with the CAS expert team throughout the 5-day mission and noted significant progress in the implementation of the 20 recommendations previously issued. The CAS continues its efforts in Customs reform and modernization, especially in the areas relating to standardization and simplification, transparency and predictability, cooperation with the trade, and interdepartmental cooperation, among others. Furthermore, notable achievements included enhancing the AEO programme, an online application system for advanced rulings, and concurrent and ongoing automation projects.  

Serbia is among the initial beneficiary countries of the GTFP, and its remarkable advancements in accomplishing the predetermined objectives of the Programme have significantly contributed towards promoting and simplifying international trade activities in the region.

For more information on the GTFP, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org.