The role of information technologies in the development of customs control in the Republic of Bulgaria

Abstract

Advances in information technologies (IT) in recent years have contributed significantly to the automation and development of customs control. This article examines the European Union (EU)-wide customs information systems (CIS) that operate within the pan-European CIS network and their application in the Republic of Bulgaria, with a focus on customs control efficiency. Guidelines for applying IT in customs control in the member states of the EU are outlined, and the CIS established to automate customs procedures in the Republic of Bulgaria, introduced in the context of the Union Customs Code (UCC), are discussed, including their main benefits and some of the problems accompanying their use, together with possible guidelines for their improvement.