ASEAN Customs Transit System

The ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) is a computerised customs transit management system that streamlines cross-border procedures in ASEAN. With a single digital customs transit declaration valid for the entire journey, traders no longer need to submit multiple declarations or face repetitive inspections at each border. This reduces paperwork, shortens clearance times, lowers logistics costs, and ultimately makes regional trade faster, simpler, and more competitive.

ACTS allows goods to move seamlessly between participating Member States under a single guarantee that covers all duties and taxes at risk. A key tangible implication for businesses is trucks can now travel from the country of departure to the final destination without repetitive customs clearance at each border, whilst information is transmitted electronically in real time along the route. For businesses, this means fewer delays, lower costs, and more reliable supply chains across ASEAN. For governments, ACTS strengthens cooperation between Customs and Transport agencies, ensuring that cross-border trade is efficient and well-facilitated.

Launched in 2020, ACTS is jointly managed by ASEAN Customs and Land Transport authorities. It is a key initiative under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of Goods in Transit (AFAFGIT, 1998) that helps bring ASEAN closer to its vision of a connected and integrated regional economy.

For further information, please visit the following link:https://acts.asean.org.

ASEAN Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AAMRA)

The ASEAN AEO Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AAMRA), signed on 19 September 2023 by all ten ASEAN Member States, is a regional initiative that promotes trade facilitation and supply chain security through the mutual recognition of the respective national Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programmes among ASEAN Member States. AAMRA provides assurance that the certification standards which the ASEAN Member States customs administrations apply within their respective AEO programmes are compatible and aligned with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (SAFE Framework). This mutual recognition allows certified AEOs from one Member State to enjoy facilitated cargo clearance benefits when exporting to other participating ASEAN countries, including priority treatment for cargo inspection for their goods. These benefits are expected to reduce trade costs and enhance supply chain efficiency across the region.

Since 30 June 2026, the AAMRA has been implemented by the ten ASEAN Member States, marking an important milestone in regional customs cooperation and contributing to the more secure and predictable movement of goods within the region. Building on this progress, ASEAN is exploring opportunities to pursue AEO Mutual Recognition Arrangements with Dialogue Partners (DP) Customs Administrations. This would expand the benefits of mutual recognition beyond the region through expedited customs clearance, reduced inspections, and strengthened trade facilitation, while also contributing to greater utilisation of ASEAN+1 Free Trade Agreements.

The AAMRA text can be found here:https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/AAMRA-Text-Signed-10-AMS-by-19-Sept-2023.pdf

ASEAN Harmonised Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN)

The ASEAN Harmonised Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN) is an eight-digit commodity classification system derived from the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (“HS Code”) of the World Customs Organization (WCO). This system standardises the classification of goods across ASEAN Members States. Established through the Protocol Governing the Implementation of the AHTN, which entered into force in 2003, it provides a unified tariff nomenclature to ensure uniform classification, transparency, and efficiency in customs procedures throughout ASEAN.

The most recent version, AHTN 2022, has been implemented by all ASEAN Member States and is currently undergoing review to ensure continued relevance to evolving trade flows. This review process supports the development of the AHTN 2028, which will align with the WCO’s HS 2028 amendments. Through regular review and updates, the AHTN remains a key instrument for ASEAN in facilitating trade, improving customs efficiency, and enhancing transparency across the region.

Further information on the review of AHTN 2022 can be found through this article:https://asean.org/asean-commences-ahtn-2022-review-to-strengthen-regional-trade-integration/

Joint Customs Control (JCC) Operation

ASEAN Customs are committed to strengthening cooperation in customs enforcement and mutual assistance to combat transnational crime and illicit trade. Among these coordinated efforts is the annual Joint Customs Control (JCC) operation to enable ASEAN Member States to exchange intelligence information to interdict suspicious movements of contraband. The first and second JCC Operations, conducted in 2023 and 2024, were proved successful in detecting illicit tobacco and narcotics, improving risk profiling, and enhancing inter-agency cooperation among ASEAN customs authorities. The subsequent JCC operations will be carried out to address emerging risks in the region, including origin fraud, in response to evolving global trade dynamics.

The JCC has become a key platform for strengthening regional enforcement mutual assistance and protecting supply chains from illicit activities, including with the participation of Dialogue Partners. Furthermore, ASEAN Customs will also strengthen collaboration with the private sector, particularly in sharing intelligence information, to further reinforce public-private partnership in the fight against illicit trade.