Customs Directorate-General of the Germany Federal Ministry of Finance plans to implement a new IT system and introduce electronic data processing by 2021, a German Customs official said Thursday at St. Petersburg Logistics Days conference.
"We strive to ensure the transition to paperless operations, e-declaration processing. Introduction of a new IT system by 2021 will actually reduce paper workflow and this should greatly facilitate the operation of all those involved," a PortNews correspondent quoted as saying Mr Dr Marcus Kurt, Deputy Head of the Customs Directorate-General's division.
The official believes German Customs will be able to "cope with the problems and challenges that may be faced and will have time to complete the job on schedule."
The conference in St. Petersburg was organized by the German-Finnish Chamber of Commerce, the Port of Hamburg and media group IAA PortNews.
Dr Marcus Kurt said that the agency is working not only on international law, but is also devoted to promotion of international cooperation.
"We are working on an international level with customs agencies accross the world and try to establish close contacts, exchanging experiences with our foreign colleagues," he said.
The German Customs is also trying to establish a successful dialogue with the Russian customs. "We've had an experience of working together with Russia and we look forward to our further partnership. This cooperation is very important for us, as each of the parties may significantly benefit from such partnership. We can share our experience in dealing with the challenges faced by our service," Mr. Marcus Kurt said.