ZAHEDAN Sistan-Baluchestan Prov. -- Sistan and Baluchestan Province Customs Supervisor Abdol-Rahman Mohammadi-Nodeh here on Monday announced that Milak customs office, in Zabol, was officially launched on Monday following the approval of cabinet.

He told IRNA that Milak Customs Office, which is equipped with customs facilities and required manpower, is now prepared to offer services to traders.

Goods which might have undergone customs formalities at other customs offices, can henceforth be exported through Milak, he noted.

"Providing traders with customs services outside the normal office hours and on holidays are among the special facilities offered at Milak," he added.

He said that a section of Milak border market is currently used for performing customs formalities.

"Thus, until permanent customs center in Milak becomes operational, traders can be provided related services," he said. Mohammadi-Nodeh said, "The border customs department in Milak is the shortest route to Afghan southern and southwestern provinces and cities."

Milak, which is the second international border crossing between Iran and Afghanistan, has so far served as a border market. With its designation as international customs border, the exchange of goods through this check point is expected to be expedited.

Given the strategic location of Milak border and its proximity to Oman Sea and the Persian Gulf, the route is expected to become one of the main export and transit routes leading to Afghanistan.