TOBBUND & BSEC-URTA POAS Border Pass Starts its Journey with Albania
In line with the directions of the BSEC-URTA Management Council, the BSEC-URTA International Secretariat, in cooperation with TOBBUND, has developed a new facilitation tool to simplify border operations for professional drivers in the BSEC region.
Foreign transporters carrying Turkish export goods were previously unable to access the incentivized fuel stations at Kapıkule and İpsala Border Crossing Points. As a result, they were required to pay in cash, often facing exchange rate losses and increased waiting times at borders.
Through the BSEC-URTA – TOBBUND partnership, a digital, cashless, secure, and efficient prepayment system has now been introduced for BSEC-URTA member associations and their transport companies. The innovation, known as the POAŞ Border Pass, allows foreign carriers to refuel quickly and safely without cash transactions, facilitating faster border crossings and smoother trade operations.
The first participant in this cooperation is One Logistics Albania, a BSEC-URTA Observer Member providing customs and logistics solutions throughout the BSEC region. On 27 October 2025, a Trilateral Agreement was signed between Mr. Argit Murati, General Director of One Logistics Albania, Ms. Ayça Türkcan, Deputy General Manager of TOBBUND, and Mr. Alpdoğan Kahraman, Deputy Secretary General of BSEC-URTA.
Following the signing ceremony, the first POAŞ Border Pass cards to be used by Albanian transporters were officially delivered by Ms. Ayça Türkcan, marking the operational start of the system in Albania. With this step, Albania becomes the first country to join the Border Pass network, further promoting facilitation and digitalization across the region.
The BSEC-URTA International Secretariat extends its sincere appreciation to One Logistics Albania and TOBBUND, expressing its confidence that this cooperation will bring new efficiencies and opportunities for Albanian carriers and the broader BSEC logistics community.
