Access to information related to export-import is very important for the clarity, predictability of trade transactions. Transaction costs are cut due to the predictability and clarity of the required procedures. Improving transparency also helps reduce corruption. 

Transparency aspects are adequately addressed in the National Plan for Coordination of Trade Policy and Trade Facilitation 2017-2020 through the creation of 'points' of business orientation and access to information on international trade, including the creation of a dedicated focal point (desk) to assist the export business regarding the regulatory and procedural information of the EU and CEFTA countries, the publication of legal acts before their publication to enable consultations with interest groups and trading partners, and the establishment - in the medium term - a Single Window for single-time deposit of all information related to international trade.

 Risk analysis and assessment in customs are analytical processes used to determine which risks are more serious and should be addressed with priority. It is possible a faster and safer delivery and release of goods by categorizing the goods and the economic operators according to the level of risk. Charges and operators considered "low risk", based on the risk profile, are subject to less controls and inspections by customs. Risk profiles are created based on a number of indicators, such as the type of product, the trader and his evidence of correctness, the value of the goods and the applicable tariffs, the origin and destination of the goods, the mode of transport and the itinerary of the movement. The development of profiles relies on the collection and analysis of information.

Risk management has been operational in Albanian customs since 2006. This has made it possible to simplify business procedures and increase the efficiency of the customs service. Based on the positive experience so far, in the National Plan for Trade Policy Co-ordination and Trade Facilitation 2017-2020, the Committee plans to review parameters and risk management profiles to enable the increase of the share of cargo passing by "Green Channel" (Immediate release of goods without examination) and Preparation of conditions for the use of "Blue Channel", (Release of goods without audit after the release of charge from the custom). 

It should be noted that 100% of agricultural products are still physically checked today. Under these conditions, it is necessary to adopt risk management procedures by the National Food Authority, which should be preceded by legal improvements, the development of methodological tools, the relevant databases to enable risk-based inspection, initially for processed products with non-animal origin.

 Essential technical requirements and sanitary and phytosanitary measures are essential for the protection of life and health. Meanwhile, these requirements can be converted into barriers to trade if they are excessive, or used for commercial purposes and not for security purposes.

In the National Plan for Trade Policy Coordination and Trade Facilitation 2017-2020, it is planned to facilitate border crossing in selected supply chains with particular emphasis on agricultural export products, as well as inspection based on risk management policy for the Authority National Food. The development of Conformity assessment capacities, including accredited laboratories, in sectors that are a priority for export also serves to the elimination of technical barriers.

 National and international businesses, merchants and transport companies need to fill in and store different documents (up to 40 original documents), which sometimes contain excessive information and are repeated in various documents (averaging 200 data items). Unification and simplification aims to simplify documentary requirements (and data) and harmonize document requirements with international standards - harmonization with international standards is the first step towards document-free processing and customs automation.

The National Plan for Trade Policy Coordination and Trade Facilitation 2017-2020 provides short and medium term measures for the unification and simplification of documents and procedures. In the short term, addressing the liability cases by the Customs or/and National Food Authority for the repetition of identical or similar information; as well as addressing the lack of clarity for the documentary requirements through the publication of a complete list of documentary requirements for products subject to mandatory requirements as well as detailed instructions related to their implementation. In the medium term, a more structured intervention is planned through the establishment of a working group for simplification and standardization of international trade data that will assess documentary requirements and propose simplification and standardization of international trade data.