General Directorate of Customs (Albania)

The General Directorate of Customs (Albania), often abbreviated as Albanian Customs, is the government agency responsible for the control, supervision, and collection of customs duties and taxes on goods entering or leaving Albania. It operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Albania.

Its primary functions include:

• Revenue Collection: Collecting customs duties, value-added tax (VAT) on imports, excise taxes, and other related taxes levied on goods traded internationally. This constitutes a significant source of revenue for the Albanian state budget.
• Border Security: Protecting the borders of Albania from illegal activities, including the smuggling of goods, drugs, weapons, and other contraband.
• Trade Facilitation: Implementing policies and procedures to facilitate legitimate trade while ensuring compliance with customs regulations and international standards.
• Enforcement of Customs Laws: Enforcing laws and regulations related to customs, including anti-smuggling measures, intellectual property rights protection at the border, and compliance with import and export restrictions.
• International Cooperation: Cooperating with international organizations and customs administrations in other countries to combat cross-border crime, share information, and harmonize customs procedures.

The General Directorate of Customs plays a crucial role in the Albanian economy by ensuring the efficient collection of revenue, safeguarding the country's borders, and facilitating legitimate international trade. The agency operates numerous customs offices located at border crossings, ports, airports, and inland customs terminals throughout Albania. It utilizes a variety of techniques, including risk management, cargo inspection, and document verification, to ensure compliance with customs laws and regulations.