A workshop aimed at familiarizing Serbian customs officers with European Union (EU) reporting requirements, as well as the tools and services that define modern customs operations in EU countries, was held on April 22 and 23. Organized by the Customs Administration, the event was part of the "EU Support for Public Finance Management in Serbia" project.
Over two days, customs officers gained insights into the key reporting systems used by their European counterparts. Consultant Jovan Okolić explained how advanced data systems such as Data Warehouses, Machine Learning, and Data Science can transform customs operations. Participants also explored practical examples of the TAXUD data platform, which enables EU member states to share and manage customs and tax information effectively.
As part of the project, Serbia's Customs Administration is set to receive a centralized system by the end of next year, allowing for the storage of all customs data. This system will integrate the tools and services discussed during the workshop, making it easier for customs officers to access critical information, identify patterns in smuggling attempts or other risks, and enhance the efficiency of customs procedures.
This workshop was organized as part of the project "EU for Public Finance Management in Serbia", funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP, in partnership with the Center for Excellence in Finance (CEF) and the Ministry of Finance of Slovakia.