Therefore, mechanization of customs procedures is highly important.

Islamic Republic of Iran"s Customs Administration (IRICA) official, Naser Jafari, in an interview with ITF Newsletter explains how the body was equipped to make smooth transit of goods possible via Iran .

Q: What are Iran"s Customs facilities to speed up transit of goods via the country?

A:  Iran"s Customs Administration has taken a number of measures in the field of transit of goods considering major factors including speed, accuracy and honesty as well as fighting any form of fraud.

The measures include using four X-Ray machines in major transit points, using the Global Positioning System (GPS), mechanization of transit methods and the ability to receive electronic documents. The measures would promote administrative capabilities and the trend of providing better services.

Q: What measures have been taken by IRICA to make TIR parks for increasing security of the transit of goods via Iran?

A: Making TIR parks along the authorized transit routes would help increase security of goods transportation via Iranian territory in addition to providing proper services. It would also play a key role in increasing a healthy passage of transited goods via Iran. The organization active in goods transportation can manage to make more TIR parks along the transit routes.

Q: What is the position of ET in facilitating customs affairs in Iran?

IRICA is using electronic methods in its customs affairs by receiving electronic documents and applications in its key customs points. In the near future, the body will install new software, the AS/W. It would help take great steps towards facilitating transit affairs.

Q: How successful is IRICA in receiving goods inquiries and fulfilling their customs formalities before ships" arrival?

A: Preliminary measures have been taken to this end in the ports of Bandar Anzali (northern Iran) and Bandar Bushehr and Shahid Rajaee (southern Iran). The measures have been made in accordance to an agreement signed with the Ports and Shipping Organization of Iran.

Q: What is your assessment about using the existing facilities in the field of goods transportation and what should be done to increase Customs Office ability in this regard?

A: The capacity of goods transportation via Iran is more than its present rate given the country"s geographical situation and the markets of the CIS countries neighboring Iran. The rate would be promoted after installation of the necessary software and hardware as well as increasing the level of cooperation among domestic organizations active in the goods transit industry.

Q: What is the reason of goods congestion in Iranian ports and terminals, particularly in the Shahid Rajaee and Bazargan Customs? And what measures have been taken to speed up goods clearance from Iranian ports and help faster crossing of transit trucks through Iranian border points?

A: Shahid Rajaee and Bazargan customs have remarkable activities as they are considered key marine and road corridors linking Iran with the Southeast Asia and Europe. The customs services are offered round-the-clock in the two points while the customs formalities are done in minimum time (two hours).

Q: What are the problems facing transit of goods and passengers?

A: IRICA is in charge of monitoring goods imports and exports within the framework of the existing laws and regulations. Prevention of repeated operations and formalities and cooperation of all related bodies would help facilitate transit of goods via Iran. Therefore, IRICA"s joining the International Convention on Harmonization of Frontier Controls would play a major role in promoting the body"s performance.