State customs service of Turkmenistan

Modernization of Garabogaz and Artyk Customs Posts Completed

Wed, 20 May 2026 18:18:35 +0500

Customs checkpoints along the international transport corridors crossing the country are being phased-out and upgraded to meet modern requirements. As part of the latest phase, the modernization of the Artyk and Garabogaz customs posts has been successfully completed.

These checkpoints now fully comply with international standards: their territory has been expanded, and their capacity has multiplied. In addition, new social and technical facilities were built, while existing buildings underwent complete reconstruction.

State-of-the-art inspection equipment and the large-scale integration of digital systems have created optimal conditions for swift and reliable customs control of cross-border vehicles and cargo.

Today, the entire cycle—from the moment a vehicle enters the checkpoint to the completion of clearance—is fully digitalized. This significantly cuts down customs processing times.

According to data from international expert organizations, the time required to complete customs procedures in Turkmenistan has been recorded as the shortest in the Central Asian region.

The Artyk and Garabogaz customs posts play a pivotal role in transit and foreign trade. Their modernization will facilitate faster cargo flows across the country, while pushing the capacity of international transport corridors to a whole new level.

Call Center of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan

Wed, 13 May 2026 10:57:39 +0500

The Call Center of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan, launched in February of the current year, has, within a short period, become an important tool for enhancing the efficiency of the customs system.

From February to April, a total of 201 inquiries were received through the call center, clearly demonstrating its relevance and importance for both citizens and the business community.

The majority of inquiries related to customs clearance of goods, export-import operations, as well as issues concerning procedures at customs posts located at border crossing points.

The establishment of the call center has played a significant role in fostering open communication between the State Customs Service, citizens, and business representatives. The timely provision of accurate information has significantly facilitated border crossing procedures and customs clearance processes.

This service is provided free of charge.

Working hours:

Monday to Saturday (except Sunday), from 09:00 to 17:00

Contact phone number: +993 39 41 39

Tue, 05 May 2026 09:15:11 +0500

Certificates Awarded and Military Ranks Conferred on Young Customs Officers

Mon, 04 May 2026 09:06:54 +0500

On May 2, 2026, a solemn ceremony was held to award training certificates and confer the first officer military ranks on young servicemen of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan.

In accordance with the Regulations of the Training Center under the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan, preparatory courses for young servicemen are designed for a two-month period. Within the framework of capacity-building activities, the latest training course was organized and conducted from March 2 to May 2 of the current year, during which specialized training sessions in professional and military disciplines were delivered.

The training process was conducted by experienced specialists of the Training Center and included the study of key areas of customs operations, as well as the fundamentals of military training. Particular attention was given to the practical component: the acquired knowledge was reinforced through hands-on training at customs posts, including familiarization with the operation of inspection and scanning systems at the International Customs Terminal.

Upon completion of the course, the young servicemen successfully passed the qualification examinations.

As part of the ceremony, the young servicemen took the military oath, reaffirming their commitment to faithfully perform their duties, serve Motherland, esteemed President, Hero Arkadag with honor, and contribute to ensuring the economic security of Turkmenistan.

International Conference in Ashgabat: The Role of Regional Training Centres in Strengthening Interregional Cooperation

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:45:43 +0500

On 29–30 April 2026, an international conference entitled “The Role of Regional Training Centres in Strengthening Interregional Cooperation” was held in Ashgabat, organized by the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan.

The event brought together representatives of the Regional Training Centres of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and the Russian Federation, as well as representatives of the training centres in Japan and Hungary, who joined online. It also included representatives of the WCO Secretariat, the WCO Regional Office for Capacity Building in Baku, as well as customs administrations of Georgia, Tajikistan, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan (online).

The opening ceremony was also attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and representatives of international organizations accredited in the country.

The conference programme focused on enhancing the professional capacity of customs personnel, sharing experience in human resource development, and strengthening practical cooperation between regional training centres.

The second day of the conference was held at the Regional Training Centre of the WCO in Turkmenistan, where participants continued their work sessions and familiarized themselves with the Centre’s capabilities. The programme also included a visit to the Central Office of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan.

In addition, a bilateral meeting was held on the sidelines of the conference between the Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan and the Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan, during which current issues of bilateral cooperation and prospects for its further development were discussed.

Turkmen Delegation Participated in the WCO Conference of Heads of Customs Administrations in Brussels

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:39:02 +0500

On 16–17 April 2026, the Conference of Heads of Customs Administrations of the WCO Europe Region was held at the Headquarters of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in Brussels, with the participation of the delegation of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan led by Deputy Chairman Mr. Mukhammedov.

The event brought together Heads of Customs administrations of the region, representatives of the Regional Intelligence Liaison Offices (RILO), and the Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB). The Conference was held under the leadership of the WCO Vice-Chair for the Europe Region, Ms. Megan Shaw.

During the meeting, participants discussed issues related to strengthening customs capacity, enhancing the resilience of customs administrations, and further developing cooperation with the private sector. Particular attention was paid to priority areas of regional cooperation and the improvement of coordination mechanisms. The Conference also addressed ongoing WCO initiatives in the region and reviewed the activities of relevant bodies and regional networks.

The participation of the Turkmen delegation in the Conference confirms Turkmenistan’s commitment to strengthening international customs cooperation, exchanging best practices, and developing its national customs system in line with modern international standards.

A Working Meeting of the Customs Authorities of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan on the Digitalization of Transit Transportation

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:51:00 +0500

On April 15, 2026, a working meeting between the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan and the Customs Committee under the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan was held via videoconference.

During the meeting, the parties discussed issues related to the introduction of modern digital solutions in the field of customs clearance of transit shipments. In particular, the Uzbek side’s experience in developing paperless technologies, implementing a unified transit document, and developing and improving the relevant regulatory and legal framework was reviewed.

The parties also discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation aimed at establishing efficient transit mechanisms.

The meeting confirmed the mutual interest of both sides in further deepening cooperation in the customs sphere and advancing modern approaches.

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 10:33:19 +0500

Growing Trade Turnover at the «Shabat» turkmen–uzbek Border Trade Center

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:31:40 +0500

Trade turnover through the «Shabat» turkmen–uzbek border trade center has been steadily increasing.

In January–March of the current year, nearly 60 000 citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan made purchases at the center, resulting in the export of more than 1 700 tons of goods from Turkmenistan. During the same period, over 250 tons of goods were imported into Turkmenistan from the Uzbek side of the trade center.

The most demanded products at the center include non-alcoholic beverages, confectionery products, fresh tomatoes, as well as detergents, textile products, and other consumer goods produced in Turkmenistan. In turn, the Uzbek side mainly supplies household goods, dried fruits, and textile products manufactured in Uzbekistan.

It should be noted that the «Shabat» border trade center was commissioned in November 2025. Trade operations carried out through this center are exempt from all customs duties and other charges.

Online training session held at the Training Center of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 10:29:02 +0500

On March 26, 2026, a joint training seminar was held via videoconference between the Training Center of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan and the Customs Institute of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The event was organized within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding on personnel training between the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan and the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

During the joint training, the participants exchanged experience on the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) system, which is widely used in customs practice. The discussions highlighted the significant role of this system in facilitating international trade and ensuring reliable control over goods and vehicles crossing the customs border.

It should be noted that the Training Center of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan has been granted the status of a Regional Training Center of the World Customs Organization. This provides broad opportunities for training customs specialists, enhancing their professional skills, and strengthening cooperation with training institutions of customs services in the region.

At the end of the seminar, the importance of joint activities aimed at improving professional capacity and studying advanced international practices in the customs field was emphasized.

Delegation of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan participated in an international security seminar in Tokyo

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 16:18:37 +0500

Representatives of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan participated in the final regional seminar of the Central Asia and Caucasus Security Project (CCASP), which was held from 3 to 5 March 2026 in Tokyo, Japan.

The event was organized by the World Customs Organization with the support of the Government of Japan and was dedicated to combating the illicit cross-border trafficking of small arms and light weapons (SALW), as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Turkmenistan is an active participant in this project and had previously taken part in the regional seminar held in Astana (July 2025), as well as in a bilateral training held in Baku (January 2026).

During the three-day programme, representatives of customs administrations from the region — Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan — discussed the results of the training activities conducted, exchanged national experiences and familiarized themselves with advanced border and customs control practices applied by Japan Customs.

In its presentation, the delegation of Turkmenistan provided information on the modernization of the national customs system, with particular emphasis on the Control and Analytical Center, which ensures automated risk analysis and contributes to the acceleration of customs clearance procedures. The ongoing modernization of the technical infrastructure of customs posts was also highlighted, including the introduction of modern inspection and scanning systems, video surveillance systems, and radiation monitoring equipment.

Representatives of WCO Regional Training Centres Discuss Cooperation

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:01:44 +0500

On 12 March 2026, officers of the Training Centre under the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan participated in a working meeting of the Regional Training Centres of the European Region of the World Customs Organization (WCO), held via videoconference. The meeting, attended by representatives of the WCO Regional Training Centres in Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan, was aimed at exchanging experience, discussing best practices and exploring joint initiatives.

During the meeting, representatives of the Regional Training Centres (RTCs) provided detailed information on the training activities carried out by their institutions. Examples of cooperation with the WCO Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB), the World Customs Organization and other international organizations were also presented.

Participants shared their experience in identifying and analysing training needs. In addition, information was exchanged on the plans for 2026, key priority areas for training and the formats of upcoming activities. Such an approach contributes to strengthening regional cooperation and improving the quality of educational programmes.

The meeting also addressed the upcoming event planned to be held in Ashgabat on 29–30 April. It was noted that during this meeting, invitations for which had previously been sent to the relevant parties, issues of further cooperation and interaction between the Regional Training Centres would be discussed in a round-table format.

It should be noted that the Training Centre under the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan was officially recognized as a WCO Regional Training Centre in June last year, opening new opportunities for strengthening international cooperation and enhancing the professional training of specialists.

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:28:47 +0500

The checkpoints on the Turkmen–Iranian border continue to operate normally

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:26:22 +0500

Currently, the passage of vehicles and cargo through the Sarahs, Artyk, Howdan and Altyn Asyr customs checkpoints, located on the Turkmen–Iranian border, is carried out in a regular mode. The checkpoints operate in accordance with their throughput capacity.

At the customs checkpoints, work is organized to ensure the prompt passage of vehicles and cargo, as well as to prevent the formation of queues. The measures taken help ensure the timely delivery of goods exported from our country as well as those imported from foreign states to their recipients.

The customs checkpoints on the Turkmen–Iranian border also play a significant role in ensuring transit transportation. Through these checkpoints, goods are transported in significant volumes to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, as well as to a number of other countries.

As a result of the ongoing efforts to create favorable conditions for the development of our country’s transit potential, the volume of transit cargo transportation is increasing every year.

Training Centre Representatives Participated Online in the 21st WCO Global Meeting

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 14:27:43 +0500

On 23-24 February 2026, representatives of the Training Centre participated online in the 21st Global Meeting of the Regional Entities established by the Members of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Council Vice-Chairs’ Offices, which was held in hybrid format at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels.

The Meeting addressed key issues related to the activities of WCO Regional Entities, exchange of good practices among regional training and expert centres, and current approaches to capacity development of customs administrations. Particular attention was paid to the development of e-learning, digital platforms, and the application of distance learning tools within the framework of the new Capacity-Building Paradigm.

The online participation of the Training Centre representatives ensured active engagement in professional dialogue and provided insight into the latest WCO initiatives in the field of capacity building. The knowledge and information obtained during the Meeting will be used to further enhance training programmes and strengthen international cooperation in the customs domain.

Announcement: Workshop on Legal Assistance in Customs Matters

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 14:44:09 +0500

A workshop will be held at the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan with the participation of representatives of the private sector engaged in foreign economic activity, as well as logistics companies, with the aim of providing legal assistance in the field of customs affairs.

As part of the workshop, legal support will be provided on issues related to the legal regulation of the export of goods from Turkmenistan and the import of goods into the country, the procedures for carrying out customs formalities, the requirements applicable to international freight transportation, as well as other issues arising in the course of practical activities.

The workshop will take place in the conference hall on the first floor of the International Customs Terminal located in the city of Ashgabat.

The workshop will commence on 27 February 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

For additional inquiries regarding the workshop, you may use the “Q&A” service by calling: +993 39 41 39.

Turkmenistan Increases Volumes of Transit and Foreign Trade Cargo Transportation

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:35:58 +0500

In recent years, Turkmenistan’s foreign trade cargo turnover, as well as transit cargo transportation through the country’s territory, has demonstrated steady positive growth. In 2025, the total volume of cargo processed at state border checkpoints reached 20 million tonnes, representing the highest level recorded since 2019.

The volume of transit shipments exceeded 7 million tonnes, increasing by 28 percent compared to 2024. In 2025, transit cargo flows were carried out in the directions of 108 countries.

In the structure of foreign trade and transit transportation, road transport accounted for 43 percent, rail transport for 27 percent, maritime transport for 28 percent, and air transport for 2 percent.

It is worth noting that the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan systematically implements a set of measures aimed at optimizing customs procedures, introducing digital technologies, and developing border checkpoint infrastructure, thereby ensuring the rapid, transparent, and internationally compliant customs clearance of vehicles and cargo when crossing the customs border.

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 16:55:36 +0500

Turkmenistan Boosts Food Exports: 2025 Results

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 12:51:35 +0500

In 2025, the volume of food exports from Turkmenistan increased by 30%. During this period, more than 263 thousand tons of food products were exported from the country.

At present, Turkmenistan holds a leading position in the region in the export of greenhouse-grown tomatoes. Accordingly, more than 181 thousand tons of fresh tomatoes were exported last year, which is a 21% increase compared to 2024.

In addition, in 2025 exports of vegetables and fresh fruits increased by 5%, exports of packaged food products by 3%, confectionery products by 123%, and non-alcoholic beverages by 282.6%. Last year, nearly 6 thousand tons of table eggs and about 26 thousand tons of food-grade cereal crops were also exported.

The State Customs Service of Turkmenistan carries out priority customs clearance of food products exported from the country at border crossing points of the State Border. This plays an important role in ensuring the prompt and uninterrupted delivery of food products to end consumers.

Furthermore, the State Customs Service regularly holds working meetings with private producers and provides legal assistance on customs legislation, including amendments and additions thereto, as well as information on new types of services that meet the evolving requirements for participants in foreign economic activity.

Representatives of the State Customs Service Participated in the Regional Time Release Study (TRS) Training in Astana

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 21:02:49 +0500

From 10 to 12 February 2026, two representatives of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan took part in the second joint regional training on Time Release Study (TRS) for Central Asian and Caucasus countries, held in Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan.

The event was organized by the World Customs Organization (WCO) in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), with the support of the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The seminar was attended by representatives of the customs administrations of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as WCO and JICA experts.

During the seminar, participants discussed the implementation of TRS, shared best practices, identified bottlenecks in customs procedures, and developed national and regional recommendations for improving import, export, and transit processes.