Customs Authority introduces new electronic system for declaring goods upon import, fully digitialised

The Romanian Customs Authority (AVR) is putting into operation, as of Friday, August 1, a new electronic system for declaring goods upon import, a completely digitalised one and interconnected with European databases, automatically managing both customs duties and any restrictions applicable at EU level.

According to the minister of finance, Alexandru Nazare, the new system means the complete digitalisation of the import process, without papers and without unnecessary travel, reduced processing time and real-time data exchange with customs, automation of tax calculations and electronic archiving of all declarations, increased transparency and complete traceability of imported goods and interconnection with European Commission systems and applications, respectively more predictability for companies operating internationally.

"This is not only a major step towards administrative efficiency, but also the closure of the infringement procedure launched by the European Commission against Romania, which aimed at the development and installation of electronic systems provided for by the Union Customs Code. With more seriousness and rigor, Romania can deliver concrete and efficient solutions, in the interest of the economy and taxpayers," Alexandru Nazare recently stated in a press release.

The new electronic goods declaration systems are the national import system - SNI, which will replace the current RCDPS declaration system, and the temporary storage and presentation notification system - TSD PN, which will ensure the transition to a fully electronic environment, through the entry into production of the TSD component, the PN component being operational as of November 14, 2024 (extended to include all modes of transport as of April 1, 2025).

The systems are intended for processing import declarations and temporary storage declarations/presentation notifications and are based exclusively on the secure exchange of information with economic operators, AVR specified a week ago.

These systems provide for different ways of submitting declarations by using the system interface for data completion, respectively the system to system solution for data transmission, as well as data upload via xml files.

According to the AVR, the functionalities and processes implemented will lead to the simplification of formalities and the reduction of waiting times at customs considering, among other things, that: declarations will no longer be printed and will be transmitted only in electronic format, and the electronic signature will also be implemented; the transmission of authorizations, certificates and supporting documents will be done in electronic format through the systems and automated validation with specific electronic systems; the exchange of messages with the CERTEX system at the European Commission level for the validation of certificates and quantity management in the SNI; the exchange of information with economic operators will be done electronically on the customs clearance flow, which will allow additional documents and information to be requested during the control stage; the granting of customs clearance is done automatically.