Azerbaijan and Iran have discussed the capacity of border-crossing points.

Axar.az reports that this information was shared by the Azerbaijani Ground Transportation Agency (AYNA) under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport.

It was reported that the discussions took place during visits by representatives of the State Customs Committee to the Jolfa, Shahhtakhti, as well as Iran’s Jolfa and Poldasht border-crossing points.

During the meetings, the participants were briefed on the procedures for accepting cargo vehicles at the border points, organizing queues, inspecting the vehicles, and processing the necessary documents.

Subsequently, discussions were held with the participation of responsible representatives from both sides on the capacity of the border points and the regulations applied in international transport. Detailed information was provided to the Iranian side about the challenges faced by Azerbaijani carriers in Iran. It was noted that the regular inspections of cargo vehicles slow down the crossing capacity.

It was also mentioned that the inspection of vehicles at Azerbaijan’s border and customs checkpoints is carried out using the Artificial Intelligence-based Automated Risk Analysis System.

It was highlighted that the infrastructure at the Jolfa and Shahhtakhti checkpoints in Azerbaijan meets the highest standards and is equipped with X-ray machines that enable rapid vehicle inspections. Since Iran’s Jolfa and Poldasht border-crossing points are not equipped with X-ray devices, the probability of allowing vehicles from high-risk groups increases. The Iranian side has stated that such equipment will be installed soon.

Additionally, it was noted that in some cases, the inactivity of the Iranian side at Jolfa during nighttime hours and the 16-hour working schedule at Shahhtakhti and Poldasht also affect the crossing capacity. Both sides agreed to discuss these issues mutually and review the working hours. After addressing the listed shortcomings, it was emphasized that, on a daily basis, 150-200 cargo vehicles could pass through Shahhtakhti and 200-250 through Jolfa in one direction.