A key meeting of the heads of customs departments of the BRICS countries was held in Manaus (Brazil), which became the central event in the framework of international customs cooperation within the framework of the association. During the meeting, the parties discussed current initiatives, strategic goals and mechanisms for further cooperation. The Russian delegation was headed by Vladimir Ivin, Deputy Head of the Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation.
At the meeting, the participants exchanged views on the main vector areas, including: mutual recognition of authorized economic operators (AEO) programs, joint measures in the field of customs enforcement, the development of digital technologies, including AI and blockchain, as well as institutional strengthening of the customs authorities themselves.
Special attention was paid to the development and implementation of a joint action plan for the mutual recognition of AEO programs. The delegations noted progress in this direction and discussed a model agreement that could form the basis for bilateral cooperation between the BRICS countries.
The parties also confirmed their interest in developing the law enforcement component of cooperation, including countering smuggling, and expressed their readiness to sign a joint action plan in this area.
As part of the technological transformation of customs services, the need to expand the use of digital solutions such as artificial intelligence and blockchain was emphasized. All participants agreed that these technologies can significantly increase the transparency and efficiency of procedures.
The Russian side presented a strategy for the development of the Federal Customs Service until 2030. The presentation outlined the results achieved: the introduction of electronic declaration centers, the launch of its own data center, and an increase in the share of automated operations. The goal for the future is to reduce the border crossing time to 10 minutes and automate the process of releasing goods as much as possible.
Following the meeting, a final document was signed, which recorded the agreements reached and outlined further steps to deepen integration. The participants stressed the importance of continuing a constructive dialogue, noting that cooperation at the customs level plays an important role in shaping modern trade architecture.
The words of the head of the Tax Service of South Africa, Edward Kiesvetter, became the symbol of the event: "Borders divide us, but customs unites us."
