ROCB Europe Explores Business Applications of NCTS During Visit to IKEA Headquarters in Milan

In February 2025, as part of its official visit to Italy, the Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB) Europe held a dedicated session at the IKEA Headquarters in Milan to examine the business applications of the New Computerized Transit System (NCTS). This engagement was conducted within the broader objective of supporting the implementation of NCTS in Azerbaijan and across the WCO Europe Region. The meeting offered valuable insights into how one of the world’s leading multinational corporations manages transit procedures, digital customs operations, and electronic data exchange with customs authorities. During the session, IKEA’s Customs and Shipping Manager, Ms. Elena Bravi, delivered a detailed presentation on the company’s use of NCTS for managing cross-border shipments. The discussion focused on the electronic transmission of customs data, the automation of customs procedures, and the benefits of NCTS in improving the speed, security, and efficiency of trade operations. IKEA’s presentation illustrated how digital systems are integrated into their logistics infrastructure, with special attention to risk-based controls and compliance with EU customs regulations. Participants discussed key topics such as the advantages of NCTS for private sector actors, the automation of customs declarations, the role of secure data exchange in transit operations, and the broader impact of digitalization on trade facilitation. IKEA also shared its experience in applying IT-driven customs solutions and emphasized its readiness to support capacity-building initiatives, particularly for Azerbaijani businesses preparing for NCTS implementation. The company expressed willingness to contribute to future training activities focused on digital customs solutions, risk management, and efficient communication between customs authorities and economic operators. This session demonstrated ROCB Europe’s commitment to strengthening dialogue between customs administrations and the private sector, promoting business engagement in customs modernization, and supporting the adoption of digital systems that enhance regional trade connectivity and compliance.