TIRANA, Oct 8 /ATA/ The Albanian Customs Administration is continuing its efforts to strengthen regional customs cooperation and align the implementation of preferential rules of origin with European practices. As part of these efforts, its representatives attended a regional meeting in Sarajevo, where participants exchanged experiences and discussed ways to apply rules of origin in line with European Union standards.
The meeting was organised by the CEFTA Secretariat in cooperation with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD), bringing together customs administrations from CEFTA parties and European Commission experts from DG TAXUD and DG GROW.
The discussions focused on the practical implementation of the revised Regional Convention on Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Preferential Rules of Origin (PEM), which establishes the rules governing the preferential origin of goods and enables traders to benefit from preferential tariff treatment.
Experts addressed key issues including cumulation of origin, tolerance provisions, the Registered Exporter (REX) system, approved exporters, proofs of origin and their verification, as well as rules applicable to specific product categories.
A key part of the meeting focused on the practical challenges of implementing the revised rules and ensuring their consistent interpretation by customs administrations across the region.
For the Albanian Customs Administration, the forum provided an opportunity to exchange experience and best practices with regional counterparts and European experts, helping strengthen professional capacity.
Cooperation in this area aims to facilitate trade, enhance security and predictability for businesses, and strengthen the implementation of European standards in customs administration.
Such activities also support Albania’s alignment with European Union practices and closer regional customs cooperation.
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