The modernized version of the electronic pre-declaration application TIR-EPD became operational as part of the Customs Service’s information service “ASYCUDA World” and is already used by international freight carriers. As many as 239 electronic pre-declarations concerning goods transported based on TIR Carnets have been submitted since March 18, when the system started to be used. The data were presented in a public event on April 2, IPN reports.
TIR-EPD is a web-based application that enables the holders of TIR Carnets to transmit free electronic pre-declarations to the customs authorities of the transited states. This exchange of information in advance facilitates the analysis of risks and accelerates the crossing of the borders of the transited countries. Currently, TIR-EPD is implemented in 35 countries of Europe and Asia.
According to the Customs Service’s director Vitalie Vrabie, the new TIR-EPD application will ease the activity of international freight carriers and of the customs inspectors as all the information included in the TIR Card appears in electronic form and the customs inspector no longer needs to fill out all the sections manually. “It is evident that for international freight carriers this means significant reduction in the waiting time at customs posts and, implicitly, saving of time and resources,” explained Vitalie Vrabie.
The modernized version is implemented with the support of the USAID Program for Structural Reforms in Moldova. Acting head of the Economic Development Department of the USAID Mission to Moldova Steven Welker said that after assessing the flow of goods through Moldova, it was established that over 90% of Moldova’s foreign trade is transported by trucks. There were signaled serious problems determined by the delays at the border, this having a real negative impact on the economy of the Republic of Moldova. TIR-EPD is the first initiative of a series of initiatives that will bring about real and sustainable improvements.
For his part, the chairman of the International Motor Carriers Association of Moldova Mihail Usatyi said the implementation of the TIR-EPD application in Moldova allows carriers to faster cross the border and to save time and money.
