This was stated by Sergey Shkliaev, Minister in charge of Customs Cooperation of the Eurasian Economic Commission, at a meeting of high-level officials within the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, held in Dalian (China).

Speaking at the plenary session of the APEC Customs-to-Business Dialogue, the EEC Minister informed about the Commission’s ongoing work, jointly with the Eurasian Economic Union States, to digitize customs clearance processes. According to him, the “five” countries efficiently implement projects, including the introduction of a mechanism for monitoring freight traffic using navigation seals, the creation of smart border crossing points, and a number of others.

“We aim to create an advanced, efficient customs regulation system based on cutting-edge information technologies, ensuring the speed of customs clearance while simultaneously improving the quality and level of control,” Sergey Shkliaev mentioned. “For this purpose, we carefully study international best practices, paying particular attention to the legal instruments and practices of APEC member economies, as well as their experience in maintaining constructive dialogue between customs authorities and the business community.”

The EEC Minister also held a working meeting with Sun Meijun, Head of the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China.

The two sides discussed relevant matters of cooperation between the Commission and the China Customs. The meeting's key topic was the practical implementation of the information exchange between the EAEU States' customs services and the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, as stipulated in the relevant agreement. In this regard, Sergey Shkliaev emphasized that the Commission and the Union countries attached great importance to the exchange of information with the customs authorities of non-EAEU States to improve the transparency of international trade.

The two sides confirmed their interest in finalizing the approval of the necessary legal framework as soon as possible and proceeding to the practical implementation of this exchange.

The EEC Minister informed his Chinese colleagues about the work being done within the Union to establish a Unified Customs Transit System. The relevant Agreement was signed by the Heads of the EAEU States in December 2024 and came into effect in June 2026.

“The Unified Transit System is based on global best practices and involves a number of simplifications for transit traffic, including the use of a single transit declaration, a single financial guarantee, the recognition of customs control results of other customs authorities, and the use of navigation seals,” Sergey Shkliaev explained. “This system is open, and any countries not being members of the EAEU can join it.”

Furthermore, the EEC Minister has noted that China is a key trading partner of the “five” countries and its participation in the project would help increase the transit potential of the Eurasian space by accelerating the movement of goods.

The meeting discussed the PRC's initiatives in “Smart Customs,” best practices in customs administration, and opportunities for their implementation within the EAEU.