Customs: Moldova and Montenegro to join the Common Transit Convention and the Convention on the Simplification of Formalities in Trade in Goods

The two countries will now be part of a network that facilitates the movement of goods between the EU and the EFTA countries (Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland), Türkiye, the Republic of North Macedonia, Serbia, the United Kingdom, Georgia and Ukraine.

By establishing clear and simple transit rules, the Conventions create an extended zone with harmonised rules for the smooth border crossing of goods. When joining the conventions, the countries start using the NCTS, a secure and well-established electronic customs system used by all contracting parties for transit procedures. The Conventions also enable reduced costs and better targeted controls reinforced by mutually recognised financial guarantees. These aspects represent a substantial simplification for customs transit movements and frontier crossing, helping to improve the situation at the often-congested land borders.

Moldova and Montenegro’s accession follows that of Georgia in February. This makes 2025 a year of unprecedented growth for the trade network underpinned by the Conventions. Montenegro becomes the latest West Balkan state to join the Conventions, reinforcing trade integration across the region. Moldova’s accession complements strategic work such as the solidarity lanes project to rehabilitate transport axes linking Ukraine and Moldova to the EU.