Montenegro’s Customs Administration continues to face challenges such as drug shipments, smuggled weapons, and counterfeit goods while achieving record revenues and advancing digital transformation, according to Director Maja Vučinić.
From January to July 2025, customs collected nearly €789 million, exceeding the planned revenue by €20.85 million. Growth was seen across all types of duties, with import VAT reaching €526.44 million, excise duties €220.50 million, and customs duties €40.05 million.
The Administration is implementing digital initiatives, including the “Customs Decision System” with 29 simplified procedures, and the ePAP system for pre-arrival processing of postal and maritime shipments, allowing automated, paperless data handling and faster delivery.
The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program provides businesses with streamlined customs procedures and international reliability, with 17 AEO statuses issued to date. An IPA-funded project aims to fully digitize customs operations, enabling electronic submission of declarations and risk management improvements.
Customs is strengthening controls in free zones, enhancing enforcement against smuggling, and conducting post-import checks to prevent misuse of preferential tariff agreements. From January to July, 45,972 detailed inspections uncovered 309 violations, resulting in €248,350 in fines, and seizures of contraband worth €861,990, including cigarettes, alcohol, and illegal drugs. Four packages of marijuana were intercepted in postal shipments, and two attempts to smuggle weapons were prevented.
A Track & Trace system for tobacco products is being implemented to monitor the movement and origin of products throughout the supply chain, enhancing compliance, consumer safety, and legal trade while combating the gray market. From June 23 to August 15, 1,105 tons of confiscated tobacco products were destroyed under strict security, fiscal, health, and ecological measures.
The use of NCTS and Montenegro’s accession to the Common Transit Convention streamline electronic data exchange, reduce administrative costs, and simplify operations for businesses.
