Since February 2022 the project on the “Introduction of Pre-Arrival Processing (PAP) for Postal and Maritime Shipments” in Montenegro is in implementation. A relevant milestone was reached: The main project partners Montenegro Revenue and Customs Administration (MRCA) and the Post of Montenegro agreed on a future model for PAP Postal. Previously, they exchanged with their Slovenian counterparts to further enhance the development of the systems. The trustful collaboration beyond the project scope facilitates the exchange of best practices for mutual benefit.
General Agreement on a Future Model for Pre-Arrival Processing for Postal Shipments
The MRCA and the Post of Montenegro met in January 2023 to agree on a future model for PAP Postal. During the workshop, the stakeholders exchanged and finalised the detailed assessment as part of the gap analysis. Moreover, the Post of Montenegro hosted an on-site visit to the post office in Podgorica to give an insight into the current procedures and work streams.
Additionally, both project partners decided to further strengthen their mutual collaboration with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which is to be signed during the project.
As a next step, the MRCA and Post of Montenegro will confirm the agreed target model formally. Efforts are underway to reconcile the data set and prepare the MoU. This marks an important step to introduce automated, paperless processing of information on goods prior to the physical arrival of shipments. PAP Postal aims to reduce the time and costs for customs clearance and release of compliant postal shipments.
Study Visit to Slovenia: Peer Learning for Developing the Future PAP Postal and Maritime in Montenegro
In November 2022, the MRCA and the Post of Montenegro exchanged on PAP for postal and maritime shipments with Slovenian counterparts from the Financial Administration and Post of Slovenia. During a study visit to Ljubljana and Koper the delegation gained valuable insights and learned about best practices from the partner administration.
The study tour offered a valuable platform to share experiences and knowledge at both the technical and management level. The input regarding legal, operational and IT aspects enhances the further development of the PAP system in Montenegro.
On-site visits to the Postal Logistics Centre and Port of Koper provided an insight into the daily practise of the overall PAP process. High-level meetings with Director Generals of the Slovenian Financial Administration confirmed the mutual support and trustful cooperation with MRCA.
The Montenegrin delegation was joined by two representatives from the Serbian Customs Administration as part of the dynamic exchange and project cooperation in the West Balkan region.
About the Project
The project in Montenegro aims to introduce automated, paperless processing of information on goods which is submitted prior to the arrival of shipments (Pre-Arrival Processing, PAP). This will enable customs and other border agencies to prioritise and select shipments for release before they arrive physically at the border. Thus, the time and costs for customs clearance and release of compliant postal shipments will be reduced.
