Iran and Armenia have agreed to establish a simplified “green” customs corridor at the Norduz–Meghri border crossing.

Axar.az reports, citing Armenian media, that the decision was made following a meeting in Julfa between Iranian Deputy Minister of Economy and Head of the Customs Administration Farhad Asgari and Armenian State Revenue Committee Chairman Eduard Hakobyan.

The sides agreed on a number of measures to simplify customs procedures and speed up the transportation of goods across the border between the two countries in order to facilitate trade.

In particular, the sides agreed to introduce a simplified “green” customs corridor at the Iran-Armenia border, which is expected to reduce cargo waiting times. Another agreement provides for enhanced electronic pre-arrival information exchange, which will reduce administrative procedures for processing trucks entering the country. Armenia and Iran also agreed to simplify document checks by replacing paper documents with electronic ones.

The sides also discussed and approved a document on the mutual recognition of the status of Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs). This status is granted to certain companies that meet the requirements established by customs authorities. In addition, the sides agreed to extend the agreement on the joint use of the Norduz–Meghri border crossing for another 10 years, ensure electronic exchange of customs information, and consolidate cargo trucks carrying goods under a single commercial invoice.