ArmInfo. Eduard Hakobyan, Chairman of the State Revenue Committee of the Republic of Armenia, participated in the global event of the "Smart Customs" project, held at the headquarters of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in Brussels.
According to the press service of the State Revenue Committee, speaking as the keynote speaker at the opening of the event, Eduard Hakobyan presented the concept of digital transformation of the tax and customs spheres of Armenia, the directions of the "Smart Border" program, e-commerce management, and initiatives for the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning. The Chairman of the Committee presented the main initiatives for the technological transformation of the customs administration of Armenia, pointing out The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning for risk assessment, X-ray analysis, anomaly detection, and improved customs control efficiency was also mentioned.
The "Smart Border" program, which envisages the implementation of a unified electronic platform for border crossings, advance cargo information, and electronic queue management systems, was also mentioned. Continuous weighing, X-ray inspection using artificial intelligence, electronic seals for transit cargo, and, in the absence of risks, remote release of goods are also planned.
In the area of e-commerce, it was noted that the number of courier shipments from third countries to Armenia increased from 1.8 million in 2022 to 6.9 million in 2025. In response to this growth, initiatives were introduced to introduce a special customs declaration, obtain commodity value data from trading platforms, and identify risks in commercial imports.
The Chairman of the State Revenue Committee also emphasized the importance of a responsible approach to the use of artificial intelligence, including data protection and continuous monitoring. He stated his intention to use the World Customs Organization (WCO) AI and Machine Learning Readiness Self-Assessment Tool and share the results with member countries, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and capacity building.
The World Customs Organization's Smart Customs program is being implemented with financial support from the China Customs Cooperation Fund. The program aims to support customs administrations in exploring and applying advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and other innovative solutions to improve customs control efficiency and facilitate legitimate trade. The project addresses practical, legal, organizational, and technical issues related to technology implementation, as well as the needs and experiences of member countries. Knowledge sharing and cooperation between customs administrations are encouraged through regional and global events, national case studies, and an online community platform. One of the project's deliverables is an updated study on advanced technologies, based on the joint MCC/WCO report published in 2022.
The global Smart Customs event, hosted at MCC headquarters in Brussels, will summarize the project's findings, present the updated study, and discuss future opportunities for technology application in the customs sector. Representatives from customs administrations, international organizations, and other stakeholders will participate in the event.
