The powers of the State Customs Committee (SCC) of Azerbaijan are set to be expanded under a new draft law.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that these changes are reflected in the draft law "On Amendments to the Customs Code." The document has been included in the agenda of the next plenary session of the Milli Majlis (National Assembly), scheduled for May 1.
The proposed amendments aim to align the Customs Code with the Constitutional Law "On Normative Legal Acts," as well as laws regarding licenses and permits, food safety, and administrative proceedings. Under the new regulations, customs authorities will be granted the right to apply to the court to temporarily restrict the right of individuals or heads of legal entities to leave Azerbaijan if they fail to settle customs debts. Furthermore, the concept of a "customs broker" will be replaced by "indirect customs representation," transitioning from a license-based system to a registry-based model to increase transparency and competition in the sector.
These reforms are part of Azerbaijan's ongoing efforts to modernize its trade infrastructure and strengthen its position as a key transit hub between Europe and Asia. By streamlining customs audits—requiring results to be presented within three business days—and enhancing information exchange with foreign states regarding transit goods, the government aims to accelerate cargo movement across the country. These measures align with Azerbaijan's strategic goal of improving the business climate and ensuring the legal protection of participants in foreign economic activity.
