Moldova and Montenegro Joining the Common Transit System
22 Ekim 2025Moldova and Montenegro Joining the Common Transit System: A New Period for Guarantee Letters
An important announcement was made in a circular published by the Directorate General of Customs on October 22, 2025, regarding the accession of Moldova and Montenegro to the Common Transit Convention. With this development, the Common Transit System is expanding further and a new era is beginning in transit operations. According to the information in the circular, Moldova and Montenegro will join the system as Contracting Parties as of November 1, 2025. From this date onwards, Common Transit procedures will be applicable for transit shipments to and from these countries.
Guarantee Letters Are Changing: New Templates Draw Attention
As a result of amendments to the annexes of the Common Transit Convention accompanying the accession process, the templates for individual guarantee and comprehensive guarantee letters are also being updated. Companies and banks providing guarantees are therefore required to issue guarantee letters to be used from November 1, 2025 in accordance with the new templates. This is particularly critical for companies holding authorization to use international comprehensive guarantees. To avoid disruptions in transit operations to Moldova and Montenegro, existing guarantee letters may need to be revised through an additional addendum.
Who Needs to Act and Who Does Not?
Two situations stand out in practice.
- Companies that will conduct transit operations to Moldova and Montenegro should update their guarantee letters and arrange an addendum if necessary.
- Companies that will not conduct transit operations to these countries may maintain their current status and no additional action is required.
This circular is of particular importance for logistics companies, foreign trade companies, customs brokers, and banks in terms of updating guarantee processes. Completing the necessary checks before November 1, 2025 will prevent loss of time at border gates and in NCTS procedures.
