State Customs Committee Adopts New Measures to Prevent Abuses in E-Commerce

Since June 1, new approaches have been applied in the smart-customs system for processing customs declarations when importing goods purchased through e-commerce.

This was stated by Chairman of the State Customs Committee (SCC) Colonel General of Customs Service Shahin Bagirov in an interview with Report news agency and İctimai TV.

"Now the identification process is carried out through ASAN İmza, SİMA, MyGOV QR. This increases both transparency and the level of compliance with rules when using benefits established by the state.

We are confident that individuals who abuse this type of trade will henceforth import goods from abroad exclusively for personal use, and in the case of commercial purposes, will declare them in the regular manner and pay the corresponding customs duties to the state budget," Sh. Bagirov noted.

According to him, the purchase of goods in the e-commerce sector is carried out mainly by individuals.

"Here I would like to cite some figures. In 2025, this indicator covered more than 1.2 million people - they purchased various goods from abroad under simplified rules through e-commerce. The total volume amounted to 501 million dollars. This is a significant figure. Citizens submitted 16 million declarations. This is the value of goods imported under simplified procedures, and if we look at the experience of neighboring countries, Azerbaijan holds a leading position in this area.

Our country is ahead in terms of supporting citizen-oriented, socially directed trade and e-commerce.

At the same time, of course, compliance with rules is necessary here, since e-commerce in itself does not mean completely free import of any goods. Rules must be observed - the customs value in the declaration must be indicated correctly. The principle of regularity is important here, since in a number of cases some citizens tend to abuse this. They import numerous goods under the guise of personal use, evading customs payments. To prevent this, we consider it necessary to inform businesses and organize meetings with them," Sh. Bagirov said.

The SCC Chairman reminded that there are six methods for determining the customs value of goods.

"These methods are established by international norms, and customs valuation relies specifically on them, with calculations conducted on their basis. One of the main among these six methods is the method based on transaction value. What does determining customs value based on transaction value mean? It means mutual trust, that is, the information indicated in declarations and documents submitted to customs authorities is indeed reliable and accurate, and there is no need for additional checks and value adjustments.

In this case, the submitted data is taken as the basis. It is gratifying that the level of use of this method has already reached 76.4%. This means that businesses are already aware of what documents need to be submitted, and what the essence of voluntary compliance with rules in customs procedures is.

Thus - through voluntary compliance, timely payment - a contribution is made to our state, economy, and overall welfare. Therefore, since these are issues of paramount importance, numerous business entities operate precisely in line with these goals. We, as the central executive authority, attach great importance to this," Sh. Bagirov added.