Stavileci: Scanner at Merdare in operational use, full implementation will facilitate trade

The scanner at the Merdare border crossing has already been put into operational use and is currently being applied in line with existing procedures and risk assessments, Kosovo Customs spokesperson Adriatik Stavileci told Kosovo Online.

As he explained, the scanner is a donation from the Government of the United States of America, implemented through the EXBS program, and was officially inaugurated on January 22, after the installation and training process carried out by experts engaged by the equipment manufacturer was successfully completed.

“Parallel with its commissioning, the recommended activities by experts related to improving the accompanying infrastructure at the border crossing itself were also implemented,” Stavileci said.

He added that, in this context, Kosovo Customs successfully carried out staff training as well as scanner testing, thereby creating all the necessary conditions for its safe, efficient, and professional use in everyday operations.

“Although part of the infrastructure expansion is still in the final phase, the scanner is already being used in practice. We expect that the full implementation of this technology will further increase efficiency in identifying and managing risks, as well as in facilitating trade, which is one of the key priorities of Kosovo Customs. In this regard, it is important to note that, according to measurements within CEFTA mechanisms, the Republic of Kosovo records the best results in customs clearance time, which clearly confirms the commitment of Kosovo Customs to applying best practices and the most appropriate tools in order to serve the economy and international trade,” Stavileci emphasized.

He concluded that all the aforementioned activities are being carried out in accordance with international standards and best practices, including the conventions of the World Customs Organization (WCO), of which Kosovo is a full member.