Upgrading/development Customs information system to fully functional EU Automated export system (AES) and EU Import control system (ICS2)

This opportunity is a call for tenders from the Ministry of Finance of Montenegro for the upgrading and development of the Customs Information System (CIS) to fully integrate with the EU's Automated Export System (AES) and Import Control System 2 (ICS2). The call is identified by the procedure reference EC-ENEST/TGD/2025/EA-RP/0116. The funding amount for this project is estimated at €2.5 million, and it will be conducted over a maximum duration of 30 months.

The project consists of two main components: upgrading the CIS to incorporate the functionalities of the AES and the ICS2. The AES must manage electronic export and exit formalities for customs, including the handling of various processes such as export, re-export, and exit summary declarations. The ICS2 is designed to facilitate the new Union Customs Code processes related to the entry and transit of goods to and through the EU, requiring enhanced security and cargo information risk analysis.

Successful bidders will need expertise in software development, customs administration, and integration with existing EU customs networks. The tendering method is a restricted procedure, meaning submissions must be sent in non-electronic form by the deadline of October 31, 2025, at 14:30 local time. The winner of the tender will be chosen based on the best price-quality ratio.

This call targets large IT firms and specialized service providers with proven experience in developing sophisticated customs systems, as the project is not designated to be suitable for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The initiative falls under the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance as Montenegro prepares for EU accession. The project aims to modernize customs services, enhance trade facilitation, and ensure compliance with EU standards across various transport modalities including road, rail, maritime, and air. Interested parties are encouraged to consult the procurement documents for submission details and further requirements.

The opportunity is titled "Upgrading/development Customs information system to fully functional EU Automated export system (AES) and EU Import control system (ICS2)". The procedure identifier is EC-ENEST/TGD/2025/EA-RP/0116. The submission method is Non Electronic and the call is Open For Submission.

Description: This project involves the development and implementation of the Automated Export System (AES) and Import Control System 2 (ICS2) by upgrading existing export and import applications in the Customs Information System (CIS) with the latest EU AES and EU ICS2 versions available at the EU level during the project's duration.

The project has two components:
1. Upgrade/development of CIS with the functionalities of the Automated Export System (AES) EU latest phase and version.
2. Upgrade/development of CIS with the functionalities of Import Control System 2 (ICS2) EU latest phase and version in Customs Administration.

These two systems must be integral parts of the Customs Information System (CIS) of Montenegro.

Automated Export System (AES) functionalities:
The AES must manage electronically the export and exit formalities performed by customs officials and economic operators when goods leave the customs territory of the EU by using export or re-export declaration, exit summary declaration or re-export notification.
The system must be able to manage the following processes:
Export
Export followed by transit
Re-export
Re-export from free zone or temporary storage
Pre-departure Declaration Customs declaration
Re-export declaration
Exit summary declaration (EXS)

Import Control System 2 (ICS2) functionalities:
The new customs pre-arrival security and safety program, ICS2, allows for the implementation of the new Union Customs Code (UCC) processes and procedures relating to the entry or transit of goods to/through the EU, including Switzerland, Norway, and Northern Ireland.
The system supports the following processes:
Lodging the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) (advance cargo information) to customs
Security and safety risk analysis by customs
Arrival of means of transport presentation of goods to customs
Control of goods by customs, where required

Advance cargo information and risk analysis will enable early identification of threats and help customs authorities to intervene at the most appropriate point in the supply chain. The entry of goods into the EU can be described as a 5-step process:
Lodgement of the Entry summary' declaration (ENS)
Notification of the arrival of the means of transport
Presentation of goods
Temporary storage of goods
Placing the goods under a customs procedure

ICS2 must support the communication of advanced cargo information (ENS) for safety and security risk analysis on the entry of goods into the EU for the following transport modes and business models: road, rail, maritime, air, air express, and postal goods.

Integration:
Both AES and ICS2 must be incorporated into existing customs systems and connected with appropriate modules.
AES must be connected with RMS, NCTS, CDS, EMCS, and other necessary applications in CIS.
ICS2 must be connected with NCTS, RMS, CCN2, MSA&AU, EAMS, IAMS, and other necessary applications.

Procedure type: Restricted procedure
Estimated total value: 2,500,000 EUR
TED publication date: 30/09/2025
Lead contracting authority: Ministry of Finance of Montenegro, Directorate for Finance, Contracting and Implementation of the EU
Main classification (CPV): 72232000 - Development of transaction processing and custom software
Nature of the contract: Services
Maximum contract duration: 30 Months
Award method: Best price-quality ratio
Framework agreement: None
Place(s) of delivery or performance: Montenegro (20001058)
Programme(s): Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (42921320)

Milestones:
TED publication date: 30/09/2025
Deadline for receipt of requests to participate: 31/10/2025 14:30 Europe/Podgorica

Documents:
ENAES ICS2 AICN UpdatedInvitation to submit a request to participate, published on 30/09/2025, Version 1, No translations available.

Submission terms:
Submissions must be sent exclusively at the address for submission given below.
Submission method: Non Electronic
Address for submission: Please consult the procurement documents.

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In summary, this is a call for tenders for a project to upgrade and develop the Customs Information System (CIS) of Montenegro to be fully functional with the EU's Automated Export System (AES) and Import Control System 2 (ICS2). The project involves upgrading existing export and import applications within the CIS to align with the latest EU AES and ICS2 versions. The AES component focuses on managing electronic export and exit formalities, while the ICS2 component implements the new Union Customs Code (UCC) processes for the entry and transit of goods. The project requires integrating these systems with other relevant modules within the CIS. The estimated total value of the project is 2,500,000 EUR, and the deadline for submitting requests to participate is October 31, 2025. The submission method is non-electronic, and further details regarding the submission address can be found in the procurement documents. The tender will be awarded based on the best price-quality ratio.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are not explicitly stated in the provided text. However, given the nature of the project, it is likely that eligible applicants would include companies, organizations, or consortia with expertise in software development, customs information systems, and EU customs regulations. This could include SMEs, large enterprises, and potentially research institutes or public-private partnerships with relevant experience.

Funding Type: The funding type is procurement, specifically a service contract. The call is for tenders, indicating that the contracting authority is seeking to procure services related to the development and implementation of software systems.

Consortium Requirement: The text does not explicitly state whether a consortium is required or if a single applicant is sufficient. However, the FAQ section mentions that a Personal Identification Code (PIC) is mandatory to participate in a call for tenders as a sole candidate/tenderer or as a member of a group (consortium), suggesting that both single applicants and consortia are eligible.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The place of delivery or performance is Montenegro. The project involves upgrading systems to comply with EU regulations, and the systems must also function with Switzerland, Norway, and Northern Ireland. Therefore, while the direct beneficiary is Montenegro, the project has implications for entities operating within the EU, Switzerland, Norway, and Northern Ireland. It is likely that applicants from EU member states, Montenegro, and potentially other countries with relevant expertise could be eligible.

Target Sector: The target sector is ICT, specifically focusing on the development and upgrading of customs information systems. This includes software development, data management, and integration with various EU customs systems.

Mentioned Countries: Montenegro, Switzerland, Norway, Northern Ireland, EU.

Project Stage: The project stage is development and implementation. The tender is for upgrading existing customs information systems with the latest EU AES and EU ICS2 versions, indicating that the project is beyond the initial research phase and is focused on practical application and deployment.

Funding Amount: The estimated total value of the contract is 2,500,000 EUR.

Application Type: The application type is an open call for tenders, with a restricted procedure. The submission method is non-electronic.

Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive money in exchange for services rendered. This is a service contract where the selected tenderer will be paid for the development and implementation of the required software systems.

Application Stages: The provided text does not explicitly detail the number of application stages. However, given that it is a restricted procedure, there are likely to be at least two stages: a request to participate and a full tender submission for those who are shortlisted.

Success Rates: The success rates are not mentioned in the provided text.

Co-funding Requirement: The text does not explicitly state whether co-funding is required.

Summary:

This opportunity is a call for tenders issued by the Ministry of Finance of Montenegro, Directorate for Finance, Contracting and Implementation of the EU, for the upgrading and development of its Customs Information System (CIS) to be fully functional with the EU Automated Export System (AES) and EU Import Control System 2 (ICS2). The project, identified by procedure identifier EC-ENEST/TGD/2025/EA-RP/0116, has an estimated total value of 2,500,000 EUR and a maximum contract duration of 30 months.

The project involves two main components: upgrading the CIS with the functionalities of the Automated Export System (AES) and upgrading the CIS with the functionalities of Import Control System 2 (ICS2). These systems must be integral parts of Montenegro's Customs Information System. The AES must manage export and exit formalities electronically, while the ICS2 must support the new Union Customs Code (UCC) processes and procedures relating to the entry or transit of goods to/through the EU, including Switzerland, Norway, and Northern Ireland.

The selected contractor will be responsible for developing and implementing these systems, ensuring they are connected with appropriate modules such as RMS, NCTS, CDS, EMCS, CCN2, MSA&AU, EAMS, and IAMS. The award method will be based on the best price-quality ratio.

The submission method is non-electronic, and the deadline for receipt of requests to participate is 31/10/2025 at 14:30 Europe/Podgorica. Interested parties must consult the procurement documents for the address for submission and other relevant details. The project is funded under the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance.