Key milestone in Ukraine-Romania-Moldova EU4Digital eCustoms pilot

The customs authorities of Ukraine, Moldova and Romania signed a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 29 April 2024, marking a key milestone in EU4Digital eCustoms activities and, ultimately, the smoother integration of Ukraine and Moldova in the European Union (EU) market. This agreement between the State Customs Service of Ukraine, the Romanian Customs Authority and the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova sets the stage for collaborative testing of cross-border data exchange, as part of the EU4Digital Initiative objectives to facilitate trade and extend the benefits of the EU’s Digital Single Market to the Eastern partner countries.

Given that Ukraine and Moldova, as EU accession candidates, are actively working towards seamless integration into the EU market, which is also currently their principal trading ally, EU4Digital’s eCustoms initiative is of particular relevance. Part of its eTrade thematic area, the EU4Digital Facility Phase II eCustoms activities focus on piloting mechanisms of data exchange between bordering customs administrations. These pilots respond to the interests of economic operators and take into account the need to simplify and harmonise customs procedures that aim to protect countries’ economic and financial interests.

The new MoU is a critical development within the EU4Digital eCustoms activities, which already achieved a bilateral data exchange between Ukraine and Romania in 2023 as well as a bilateral data exchange between Moldova and Romania in 2022.The agreement paves the way for a three-way pilot project to test cross-border customs data exchange using the Systematic Exchange of Electronic Data (SEED) system. Developed with EU support and tested for more than twelve years in the Western Balkans, SEED offers a digital platform that simplifies processes, reduces paperwork and enhances efficiency in the submission, processing and exchange of customs data.

To ensure progress in implementing the MoU provisions, on 20–24 May 2024, EU4Digital experts will provide technical training during visits to the border crossing points between: Siret in Romania and Porubne in Ukraine; Leuseni in Moldova and Albita in Romania; and between Reni in Ukraine, Giurgiulești in Moldova and Galați in Romania. The eCustoms pilot itself, planned for 10 June–12 July 2024, will focus on integrating the SEED application into the countries’ customs operations, to prepare for testing the exchange of data regarding both empty and full trucks that will cross the borders.

These trilateral EU4Digital eCustoms activities aim to facilitate easier cross-border trade by simplifying customs processes and boosting cooperation between Ukraine, Romania and Moldova. The initiative is expected to cut down on processing times, lessen administrative work and increase data precision and openness, which is crucial for managing risks effectively. Furthermore, the pilot will strengthen trust between the countries’ customs administrations, setting the groundwork for ongoing collaboration and trade facilitation efforts.

Further information

EU4Digital eCustoms site visit and pilot activities align with the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes project, which established alternative logistics routes from Ukraine via rail, road and inland waterways in 2022 in response to Russia’s war of aggression.

Find out more about EU4Digital eTrade activities by visiting our ‘Explainers’ web content and viewing our short video ‘This is eTrade’, available in our online Library.