Banja Luka, 12 May 2025 – The Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, in collaboration with RegioTrade (implemented by GIZ) and the Indirect Taxation Authority of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ITA BiH), has officially launched an initiative to digitise customs clearance processes for postal and express shipments.
The project, implemented through GIZ – Partnerships for Sustainable Trade on behalf of BMZ, in cooperation with GIZ’s regional program Regio Trade, and with significant involvement from UNCTAD, aims to introduce pre-arrival and pre-departure processing for postal and express shipments. This will enhance BiH’s risk management by integrating new IT modules into the existing customs framework.
The initiative supports the upgrade of BiH’s national ASYCUDA World customs system and introduces ASYHUB Post, a platform that allows advance electronic submission of shipment data. This enables customs to begin processing before packages arrive in the country, significantly reduce clearance times, improve safety and security, and align BiH’s processes with EU and international standards.
The launch event in Banja Luka brought together key government officials, international organisations, national postal operators, and representatives of major express couriers. This project aims to make cross-border trade faster, safer, and more accessible, particularly for small businesses.
Mr. Zoran Tegeltija, Director General at ITA BiH, said: “In recent years, we have witnessed a significant increase in online shopping in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a growing number of shipments arriving in the country through postal operators. The goal of the Indirect Taxation Authority is to increase the efficiency and transparency of customs procedures, establish effective risk analysis, collect all revenues from indirect taxes in accordance with applicable legal regulations, and ensure that the end users — the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina — receive their shipments as quickly as possible.”
Mr. Philippe Isler, Director at the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, commented: “By digitising the clearance process for small packages, the initiative is expected to cut processing times by up to 30%, align procedures with EU and international standards, and reduce the administrative burden for businesses”.
Dr. Tanja Bošković, Team Leader at RegioTrade/GIZ, added: “This initiative is about much more than faster customs procedures – it’s about creating a more efficient, secure, and predictable business environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. By enhancing trust in institutions, improving trade processes, and aligning with EU standards, it facilitates the country’s integration into regional and international markets, helping businesses enhance their competitiveness”.
In addition to improving efficiency, the project supports the implementation of the trade facilitation standards and aligns Bosnia and Herzegovina’s practices with EU digital trade standards.
The event concluded with a panel discussion featuring representatives from ITA BiH, UNCTAD/ASYCUDA, postal operators, and express courier companies, who explored the expected benefits and current state of readiness across the sector.