TIRANA, November 13 /ATSH/ – Minister of Finance Petrit Malaj, accompanied by Director General of the Customs Besmir Beja, paid a working visit to Porto Romano to mark the launch of the e-seals system—a new mechanism for monitoring and controlling the transport of goods under customs supervision.
During the visit, Minister Malaj observed the operation of the new system, which enables real-time monitoring of tanker trucks from the moment of departure until their arrival at the customs exit point. It also allows for the automatic detection of route deviations, unscheduled stops or any attempts to tamper with the e-seals.
The implementation of this system is part of the modernization and digitalization process of the customs administration. It aligns with approved amendments to the customs regulatory framework, which aim for a gradual transition from traditional physical inspections toward the use of smart technologies for tracking and monitoring goods in transit.
Minister Malaj emphasized that the new system provides direct benefits to both the customs administration and economic operators. “This is a new process that not only simplifies procedures for all economic operators transporting or transiting hydrocarbons through the territory of the Republic of Albania, but also assists customs authorities in the fight against hydrocarbon smuggling and helps safeguard public revenue,” stated Minister Malaj.
The minister highlighted four key benefits of the new system: the protection of public revenue, increased efficiency for economic operators, reduced operational costs for the customs administration and a strengthened fight against tax evasion and smuggling.
For his part, Director General of Customs Beja explained that previously, the transit of hydrocarbons required physical escorts for tanker trucks by the customs administration—a process that caused delays and led to the accumulation of 30–40 tankers at the terminal. Under the new system, once the sealing procedures are complete, tankers can depart immediately without waiting for a convoy to form, while their movement is monitored electronically throughout the entire journey.
The Monitoring Center tracks the location, route and status of the electronic seals in real time, receiving automated alerts regarding any deviations, unscheduled stops or attempted tampering. These alerts serve to assess risk and determine the necessary controls.
During the pilot phase, from October 16 to October 31, there were monitored 581 shipments through this system, establishing a foundation for the further improvement of customs procedures.
The implementation of the e-seal system marks another step toward the modernization and digitalization of the customs administration, strengthening controls against tax evasion and smuggling, while also safeguarding public revenue. /m.q/j.p/p.s./
