Serbia accepts EU acquis for Chapter 29

Customs procedures, customs valuation, classification of goods, computerised transit system, use of risk analyisis, protection of intellectual property rights, protection of cultural properties and control of traffic of drugs and precursors were presented.In addition to displaying the degree of compliance of regulations, the level of their implementation was also presented as well as the planned measures and activities that relevant institutions will take in order to harmonise the national legislation with EU regulations.It was concluded that there is a need for further harmonisation in the field of customs legislation.It was also concluded that even with the EU assistance to Serbia, the lack of financial resources is a challenge for the faster implementation of customs reform in Serbia.

The expected implementation of projects initiated, especially of the “New computerised transit system”, which is financially supported by the EU, provides a basis for optimism about the future of continuing negotiations in the area of customs.

Serbia accepted the acquis for Chapter 29 in line with prescribed procedures.

The delegation of the Republic of Serbia was led by the President of the Negotiating Group 29 and Deputy Minister of Finance Vesna Hreljac Ivanovic.

The Serbian delegation, in addition to representatives of the Ministry of Finance and Customs Administration, was made up of representatives of the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Culture and the Media, Office for European Integration, team for negotiations on the accession of Serbia to the EU and the Mission of Serbia to the EU.

The EU was represented by experts from the European Commission, Directorate for Taxation and Customs and the Directorate General for Enlargement, the statement added.

Source: Government of the Republic of Serbia