ROCB Europe Strengthens Cooperation with Italian Customs to Support NCTS Implementation Across the WCO Europe Region

On February 20, 2025, representatives of the Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB) Europeparticipated in a high-level coordination meeting with the Italian Customs, Excise and Monopolies Agency, hosted at the Customs Directorate of Piacenza, Italy. This visit was organized in the framework of ROCB Europe’s strategic goal to support the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan and other WCO Europe Region member administrations in preparing for the implementation of the New Computerized Transit System (NCTS). The primary objective of the visit was to observe the practical application of NCTS in Italy, gather insights from operational experts, and establish a coordination mechanism for experience sharing, regional dialogue, and future training programs. The meeting focused on the digitalization of transit operations, secure data exchange, and the enhancement of customs–business collaboration through NCTS. The ROCB Europe team was welcomed by Ms. Maria Concetta Tribuzio, Director of Piacenza Customs, and Ms. Elena Avella, NCTS Expert, who shared Italy’s experience in using the system effectively. Through a detailed practical session, the Italian side demonstrated how NCTS facilitates automated transit management, improves risk-based decision-making, and allows for real-time data exchange among customs authorities and traders. Topics discussed included the guarantee system, interoperability of electronic declarations, and tools for automated risk analysis and compliance monitoring. Ms. Tribuzio noted: “We are pleased to cooperate with ROCB Europe in facilitating the transfer of practical knowledge on NCTS. Italy is ready to support Azerbaijan and other partner countries in aligning with international transit procedures and digital customs innovations. This collaboration can significantly contribute to the development of efficient, transparent, and modern transit systems.” As a direct outcome of the meeting, ROCB Europe and the Italian Customs Administration agreed to organize a series of targeted training sessions for customs officers from Azerbaijan and other countries of the WCO Europe Region, starting in April 2025. These sessions will cover both the technical configuration and operational implementation of NCTS, including legal frameworks, system interfaces, and business engagement models. This visit reflects ROCB Europe’s mandate to promote regional coordination, peer learning, and capacity development across the WCO Europe Region. The collaboration with Italy’s Customs Agency represents a valuable step in facilitating the integration of NCTS into national customs systems, contributing to trade facilitation, transit efficiency, and regional connectivity.