A working meeting was held with the participation of representatives of the Ministry of Health and the State Customs Committee to discuss the regulation of import and export operations involving medicinal products, medical devices, and goods subject to sanitary control, as well as measures to combat the smuggling of pharmaceuticals and enhance the effectiveness of customs oversight over the illicit trafficking of psychotropic substances.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Health Teymur Musayev, Chairman of the State Customs Committee Shahin Baghirov, senior officials from both institutions, and heads of relevant structural units.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the improvement of control mechanisms applied during the import and export of medicinal products, pharmaceutical substances, and medical devices, the expansion of interagency cooperation, and the establishment of more efficient information-sharing processes.

Minister of Health Teymur Musayev noted that ensuring the population’s access to safe and high-quality medicines remains one of the key priorities of state policy.

Under the leadership of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, consistent measures are being implemented to protect public health and strengthen access to safe and high-quality medicinal products. The attention and support provided to the healthcare sector by First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva make a significant contribution to the successful continuation of reforms in this field. Given the importance of safeguarding public health during the importation of medicines and medical devices, effective cooperation among relevant institutions is essential for improving control mechanisms, simplifying procedures, and increasing transparency. In this regard, it is important to further expand cooperation and joint activities with the State Customs Committee.

Chairman of the State Customs Committee Shahin Bagirov emphasized that, alongside ensuring the effective implementation of customs control, facilitating legitimate trade and expanding the use of digital solutions remain key priorities.

He noted that broadening information exchange between the two institutions, improving risk assessment practices, and implementing integrated control mechanisms would contribute both to strengthening security and to creating a more favorable environment for businesses.

The parties also exchanged views on improving information-sharing procedures related to the issuance of import permits during the customs clearance of medicines and medical devices, expanding opportunities for electronic integration, strengthening risk assessment mechanisms, and enhancing operational coordination between the relevant authorities.

During the discussions, participants emphasized the importance of granting the State Customs Committee access to the relevant registry for the purpose of customs identification of medical devices identified as presenting high, elevated, and/or medium risk. The necessity of preparing amendments to the list of specific goods whose importation is subject to the opinion of relevant state authorities was also highlighted. Subsequently, a representative of the State Customs Committee delivered a presentation.

The meeting also reviewed issues related to the incorporation of certain psychotropic substances into national legislation in accordance with international conventions to which the Republic of Azerbaijan is a party, the digital integration of permits issued for import and export operations, and the storage of medicinal products held under customs control in conditions that comply with applicable regulatory requirements.

At the meeting, the parties agreed to continue efforts aimed at further expanding cooperation and strengthening the coordination of joint activities in order to achieve the objectives set forth.