The conference theme is based on the concept of transformation and reboot of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) presented by Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko at the 4th Eurasian Economic Forum in Minsk in June 2025. This concept involves a transition to a new level of development of the union in many areas. «For us, the block related specifically to transport, logistics, and foreign trade is important. Why? Because without customs, foreign trade simply cannot exist. And this very concept lays down such mechanisms as the formation of transport and logistics hubs, transformation of transport corridors into smart multimodal arteries with unified administration, digital platforms for business, development of e-commerce, and a number of other innovations,» Vladimir Orlovsky explained.
These directions affect customs affairs one way or another, the SCC chairman believes. «Following the spirit of the concept proposed by the head of state, we set ourselves the goal of creating smart customs service, which will be even more efficient, fast, and, most importantly, transparent for business. The Belarusian customs service has already completed a journey from a paper declaration to an electronic one and automatic release. But standing still is not our way. We plan a transition from electronic customs to smart customs,» Vladimir Orlovsky said.
The SCC chairman explained that digital transformation moves along two key tracks: the use of artificial intelligence systems (in particular, machine vision) and big data analytics.
Machine vision technology is supposed to be used for handling non-formalized shipping and commercial documents attached to the declaration. The software product will automatically read electronic documents, process them, and compare them against the information in the customs declaration. The mechanism is already being implemented as part of the customs service development program for 2026-2030. Apart from that, machine vision will be used for the automated processing of scans and for comparing the received data against risk databases.
«We have now formed a huge customs data pool. Within the framework of the union the customs authorities of five countries exchange customs declarations. We use this information to build analytical models, forecast events, calculate patterns, and root out potential violations. In the near future we will be ready to create such a system,» Vladimir Orlovsky summarized.
Automation of customs administration, including with the use of artificial intelligence, speeds up control at the border and at internal customs clearance points. Within the framework of the concepts of a smart checkpoint and a smart customs clearance point, algorithms are laid down to accelerate the transition from one type of control to another based on a single database for all control services. This provides for receiving information from associated agencies in electronic form and its automated processing together with customs data.
«Whatever software products we come up with, no matter how fast we clear goods, without the appropriate infrastructure of checkpoints, waiting areas, and logistics hubs, everything will come to naught,» the SCC chairman emphasized and added that for this reason, another task for developing the customs service for five years is the improvement of infrastructure right at the border and near it.
Thus, a large-scale reconstruction of the Kamenny Log checkpoint — the most popular facility at the border — begins this year. The work will be carried out in stages (in phases) without stopping traffic. The network of transport and logistics hubs is developing in parallel: RUP Beltamozhservice plans to complete construction in Vitebsk, work continues near the Latvian border in Grigorovshchina and near the Lithuanian border in Benyakoni. Infrastructure of the electronic queue system areas is also being improved to allow vehicles to wait for their departure in comfort.
Speaking about the improvement of the regulatory framework, Vladimir Orlovsky noted that the first comprehensive package of amendments to the EAEU Customs Code is entering the final stage. It includes rules to suppress fake transit, expand the use of electronic navigation seals, and simplify the movement of containers through the territory of the union. The customs authorities of the participating countries have begun developing the third package of legal novelties. Experts will discuss them today.
