Eduard Hakobyan, Chairman of Armenia’s State Revenue Committee (SRC), participated in the global event of the Smart Customs project at the World Customs Organization (WCO) headquarters in Brussels.
Delivering the keynote address at the opening session, he presented Armenia’s vision and initiatives for the technological transformation of customs administration, the SRC said in a press release.
Hakobyan presented Armenia’s vision for the digital transformation of tax and customs administration, the main areas of the Smart Border program, and initiatives involving e-commerce management and the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
The SRC Chairman highlighted the importance of applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to risk assessment, X-ray image analysis, anomaly detection, and improving the effectiveness of customs controls.
He also addressed the Smart Border program, which envisages the introduction of a unified electronic platform for border crossing points, advance cargo information systems, and electronic truck queue management systems. Other planned measures include weigh-in-motion systems, AI-assisted X-ray scanning, electronic seals for transit shipments, and remote release of goods where no risks are identified.
Regarding e-commerce, it was noted that the number of courier consignments arriving in Armenia from third countries increased from 1.8 million in 2022 to 6.9 million in 2025. To respond to this growth, initiatives were presented involving a special customs declaration, obtaining information on the value of goods from online marketplaces, and identifying risks associated with commercial imports.
The SRC Chairman also emphasized the importance of a responsible approach to the use of artificial intelligence, including data protection and continuous oversight. He announced Armenia's intention to use the WCO's AI and Machine Learning Readiness Self-Assessment Tool and share the results with other member countries, stressing the importance of international cooperation and professional capacity development.
The World Customs Organization's Smart Customs project is funded by the Customs Cooperation Fund of China (CCF-China). The project aims to support customs administrations in exploring and applying advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and other innovative solutions, to improve the effectiveness of customs controls and facilitate legitimate trade.
Within the framework of the project, practical, legal, organizational, and technical aspects of technology adoption, as well as the needs and experience of member countries, are being examined. Regional and global events, national case studies, and an online community platform are used to promote knowledge exchange and cooperation among customs administrations. One of the project's outputs is an updated WCO study on disruptive technologies, building on the joint WCO/WTO report published in 2022.
The global Smart Customs event, held at WCO headquarters in Brussels, is dedicated to reviewing the project's results, presenting the updated study, and discussing future opportunities for the application of technology in the customs sector. Representatives of customs administrations, international organizations, and other stakeholders are participating in the event.
