Starting October 1, Tajikistan will introduce a new digital system for customs clearance of imported and exported goods, as well as vehicles, according to the press center of the Customs Service under the Government of Tajikistan.

The system, known as ASYCUDA, is part of the country’s broader strategy to digitize key sectors of the national economy and align customs procedures with international standards.

Under the new rules, importers will be required to submit advance electronic information about goods and vehicles at least two hours before arrival at the customs border.  Officials say this measure is designed to simplify customs controls and speed up clearance at border checkpoints.

The ASYCUDA platform operates largely in automated mode with elements of artificial intelligence, covering all procedures and regimes for customs clearance of goods and vehicles.

Authorities emphasize that the transition will not only streamline operations but also improve transparency, strengthen customs oversight, and enhance revenue collection for the state budget.

“The shift to ASYCUDA marks an important stage in the digitalization of customs processes and the expansion of cashless transactions,” the Customs Service said in a statement.

The reform is expected to bring Tajikistan’s customs framework closer to global practices, reducing bureaucracy while providing greater efficiency for businesses engaged in foreign trade.

ASYCUDA stands for the Automated System for Customs Data, a computerized customs management system developed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to streamline and automate foreign trade procedures.  It handles processes like ship manifests and customs declarations, accounting, and transit, generates valuable trade data for analysis, and supports electronic data interchange between traders and customs authorities.  The system can be configured to align with a country's specific customs regulations, national tariffs, and legislation, aiming to improve efficiency, revenue collection, and the security of trade. 

102 countries and territories worldwide have adopted ASYCUDA, 90% of which are using or migrating to the latest version – ASYCUDAWorld.

ASYCUDAWorld is an advanced, Java-based, web-accessible customs management system, enabling electronic submission of customs declarations, reducing paperwork, improving revenue collection, enhancing trade efficiency, strengthens security, and helping combat corruption by using international standards and cutting-edge technology like e-signatures and biometrics.