Starting from April 1 of this year, all businesses that want to export goods to the European Union or transit through the EU must first submit an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) for their goods. Otherwise, trade will not be possible.
Kosovo Customs states that the main responsibility for submitting the summary declaration falls on the transporter. However, according to customs legislation, this declaration can also be made by the importer, exporter, or company representatives. The Kosovo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DhTIK) reports that the new EU regulations have caused confusion for some businesses, KosovaPress reports.
Meanwhile, the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce emphasizes that this decision will not be a financial burden for businesses but will require additional engagement.
Visar Zakuti, Head of Risk Analysis at Kosovo Customs, stated in an interview with KosovaPress that they were informed by the European Commission about these new rules in January of this year. Zakuti explains that Kosovo Customs has notified the transport business community and customs agents about these new measures.
Zakuti further clarifies that to complete the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) in the customs system of EU member states, economic operators must be registered in one of the EU member states and obtain an Economic Operators Registration and Identification Number (EORI Number).
He told KosovaPress that this number is essential for identifying businesses in all customs procedures within the European Union.
The Executive Director of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DhTIK), Kushtrim Ahmeti, states that although these measures have caused stress for businesses, they are ultimately beneficial because they make businesses more serious in their dealings with European institutions.
Speaking to KosovaPress, Ahmeti points out that the greatest confusion among businesses concerns who is responsible for declaring goods.
Meanwhile, the President of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce (OEK), Lulzim Rafuna, says that these measures do not harm businesses but rather facilitate the movement of goods.
Rafuna expresses optimism that this will ease the passage of goods and reduce waiting times at EU borders, thereby lowering costs for exporting companies. He emphasizes that the request addressed to the European Commission aims to improve the situation for trucks departing from the Western Balkans.
KosovaPress has attempted to obtain more details about these regulations from EU spokespersons for Foreign Policy and Security, but by the time of publication, there had been no response.
The Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) is an electronic document submitted to the customs authorities of the European Union before goods arrive in EU territory.
The purpose of this declaration is to identify risks before goods arrive in the EU, prevent smuggling and trafficking of illegal goods, ensure compliance with EU regulations, enhance supply chain security, and facilitate international trade. The declaration timing varies based on the type of transport. For road and rail transport, goods must be declared at least one hour before arriving in EU territory. For long-distance maritime transport, declarations must be made 24 hours in advance. Meanwhile, for air transport over long distances, the declaration must be made four hours before arrival.
