Armenia and Iran are set to simplify customs procedures at their shared border in a move designed to speed up cargo processing and vehicle crossings.

The Armenian government has approved a draft protocol introducing a new system for the exchange of customs information between the two countries, according to Sputnik Armenia.

Under the proposed arrangement, customs services in one country will electronically send their counterparts in the neighboring country information about incoming goods and their senders when cargo is cleared for departure.

The receiving country will then be able to carry out customs inspections under a simplified procedure. The new regime will apply to all types of vehicles, except private passenger cars.

The measure is expected to reduce processing times for cargo and help commercial vehicles cross the Armenia-Iran border more efficiently.