As of 1 November 2025, the Republic of Moldova and Montenegro will officially become part of the Common Transit Convention (CTC). This follows the Council Decision (EU) 2025/1948 of 18 September 2025, marking an important milestone in expanding European customs cooperation.
What does this mean for businesses?
With Moldova and Montenegro joining the Convention, cross-border goods movement will become more efficient and predictable between the Union, the EFTA countries, and third countries, now also including these two new partners that have joined the Convention on a Common Transit Procedure. From 1 November 2025, companies can carry out common transit operations across Moldovan and Montenegrin territory.
Update of guarantees
If your company holds a comprehensive guarantee (code 1) or an exemption from guarantee (code 0), your authorization must be extended to include Moldova and/or Montenegro.
- Holders of comprehensive guarantees need to submit an additional guarantee deed listing the new countries.
- For holders of exemption from guarantee, the extension is processed automatically in Belgium by the Customs and Excise Administration’s Guarantees Department. Note: in the Netherlands, this works differently. License holders must add these countries themselves via the EU Trader Portal.
Once this update is completed in the “Guarantees” module, traders can initiate transit movements through Moldova and/or Montenegro within the NCTS system.
A step forward for European integration
The accession of Moldova and Montenegro expands the common customs area and furthers harmonization of customs procedures across Europe and neighboring regions. This development represents an important step towards a more integrated, efficient, and secure European customs landscape.
