An extraordinary meeting of the Heads of Customs Administrations of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was held on February 10, 2026, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The session brought together OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev, senior customs officials from member states, as well as representatives of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the International Road Transport Union (IRU).
During the discussions, participants reviewed the Action Plan for the implementation of the eTIR procedure, assessed progress on the Simplified Customs Corridor Agreement adopted in Samarkand in 2022, and examined preparations for introducing the eCMR (electronic consignment note) system across the OTS region.
Particular attention was given to the work of a dedicated working group overseeing the eCMR pilot project. The group is developing the necessary technical and software solutions to enable the system’s rollout. Omuraliev emphasized the importance of active engagement by customs authorities in the practical deployment of digital instruments.
The meeting also addressed the possibility of granting priority border crossing to carriers utilizing digital tools such as ePermit, eTIR and eCMR, with the aim of encouraging wider adoption.
Concluding the session, member states reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening customs cooperation, advancing digital transit solutions and enhancing regional connectivity and integration. The outcomes of the meeting are expected to contribute to safer, more efficient and predictable trade flows across the OTS region, while reinforcing the organization’s role in the global customs and transport system.
