A New Step in the Modernization of Customs Control and International Logistics
The digital transformation of customs administrations is a key factor in the development of international trade and logistics. In recent years, institutions across the European Union and neighboring regions have been implementing modern information systems for electronic customs data exchange, aiming to facilitate the movement of goods and improve transparency in international transport.
In this context, in 2026 Bulgaria and Serbia signed a memorandum for electronic exchange of customs information through the SEED+ system (System for Exchange of Excise Data). The initiative is part of the broader efforts to modernize border control, digitalize customs processes, and improve cooperation between customs administrations.
For businesses involved in logistics, transport, and international trade, this development means faster processing of customs data, reduced administrative checks, and more efficient cross-border transportation.
What Is the SEED+ System?
SEED+ (System for Exchange of Excise Data) is an information system designed to enable electronic exchange of customs data between national customs administrations.
The system provides a centralized database containing information about economic operators involved in the trade and transportation of excise goods, as well as their registrations and authorizations.
Through SEED+, customs officers can perform real-time verification of economic operators and their licenses, improving control over the movement of excise goods.
The system allows customs authorities to verify:
- the registration status of economic operators
- authorized warehouse keepers
- licenses and permits related to excise activities
- identification numbers of companies handling excise goods
- the validity of authorizations across participating countries
This digital infrastructure plays an important role in strengthening cooperation between customs administrations and improving transparency in international trade.
Why Electronic Customs Data Exchange Matters
International logistics requires fast and reliable information exchange between government institutions and businesses. Traditionally, customs procedures have relied on manual verification and administrative checks, which can lead to delays and additional costs for transport companies.
The implementation of digital systems such as SEED+ helps address these challenges by enabling:
- automated verification of customs data
- faster processing of customs procedures
- reduced administrative workload
- better coordination between national authorities
For companies operating in transport, freight forwarding, and logistics, this means more predictable and efficient cross-border operations
Main Objectives of the SEED+ Implementation
1. Faster Exchange of Customs Information
One of the main goals of SEED+ is to accelerate the exchange of customs information between participating countries.
With electronic data exchange, customs authorities can verify information about economic operators and their licenses in real time, reducing delays caused by manual communication between administrations.
2. Reduction of Administrative Checks
Digital customs systems allow authorities to verify information in advance, reducing the need for additional administrative procedures.
This results in:
- fewer manual inspections
- lower risk of human error
- increased transparency in customs processes
For businesses, this creates a more stable and predictable logistics environment.
3.Faster International Transport
When customs administrations exchange information electronically, border checks can be performed more efficiently, reducing waiting times at border crossing points.
This leads to:
- shorter border crossing times
- lower transport costs
- better planning of logistics operations
These improvements are particularly important for companies involved in:
- international transport
- logistics and freight forwarding
- supply chain management
- e-commerce distribution
How Customs Digitalization Impacts the Logistics Industry
The digitalization of customs procedures significantly affects how logistics companies manage their operations.
Improved Visibility of Transport Operations
Electronic data exchange allows companies to gain faster access to customs information, improving visibility across the supply chain.
This helps logistics operators better plan shipments and respond quickly to potential disruptions.
Reduced Border Processing Time
By enabling real-time verification of documents and operators, digital customs systems help reduce the time required for border inspections.
As a result, transport companies can improve delivery times and optimize their logistics schedules.
More Efficient Management of Customs Documentation
In a digital environment, companies increasingly rely on specialized software solutions for managing customs and logistics documentation.
These systems support:
- automation of document workflows
- integration with customs systems
- centralized management of logistics processes
The Role of Logistics Software in Customs Digitalization
As customs procedures become increasingly digitalized, companies are adopting advanced logistics software and Transport Management Systems (TMS) to streamline their operations.
Such solutions enable businesses to:
- automate logistics workflows
- manage customs documentation
- integrate with ERP and warehouse systems
- track shipments and transport operations
- optimize transport routes
Companies that implement modern digital platforms can adapt more easily to new regulatory requirements and digital customs standards.
The Future of Digital Customs and International Logistics
The implementation of electronic customs systems such as SEED+ is part of a broader transformation toward digital international trade and automated logistics processes.
In the coming years, more customs procedures are expected to become fully digital, including:
- electronic customs declarations
- automated exchange of trade data between countries
- integration between customs platforms and logistics systems
- digital transport documentation
These developments will lead to faster, more transparent, and more efficient logistics operations across international supply chains.
Software Solutions Supporting Logistics and Customs Processes
With the growing digitalization of customs systems, companies involved in transport and international trade are increasingly implementing specialized software solutions for logistics, document management, and supply chain operations.
These integrated systems help businesses automate processes such as customs documentation, transport management, and shipment tracking.
For example:
Solutions like NORD® are designed specifically for managing customs and foreign trade documents, helping companies prepare declarations, invoices, and transport documentation more efficiently.
Learn more:
https://newdata.bg/en/products-2/nord/
Modern transport companies rely on TMS platforms that enable centralized control of logistics operations.
One such solution is FOBOS UP, a web-based platform for managing transport, freight forwarding, and logistics operations, offering features such as:
- transport order management
- tracking of routes and cargo
- logistics reporting
- fuel cost monitoring
- CRM management for transport companies
Learn more: https://newdata.bg/en/products-2/fobus-up/
Warehouse logistics is an essential part of international supply chains.
Software solutions for warehouse management and inventory control help companies improve visibility and efficiency within their logistics operations.
Warehouse systems enable:
- warehouse inventory management
- integration with logistics and ERP systems
- shipment tracking
- optimization of warehouse operations
Learn more: https://newdata.bg/en/products-2/warehouse/
Conclusion
The memorandum for electronic customs data exchange through SEED+ between Bulgaria and Serbia marks an important step toward the modernization of customs procedures and cross-border logistics.
The initiative is expected to contribute to:
- faster exchange of customs information
- reduction of administrative checks
- accelerated international transport
- stronger cooperation between customs administrations
In a rapidly evolving logistics environment, companies that adopt modern logistics and transport software solutions will be better prepared to meet the new digital and regulatory requirements.
This article was written with the help of artificial intelligence, referring to information published on the website of the customs agency!