This study investigates the need for changes in the work of customs administrations, which is conditioned by a pandemic that has destroyed or significantly damaged existing supply chains around the world. To counteract this, customs administrations should implement a coordinated and proactive approach with all interested agencies to promote international trade. The main purpose of the study is to investigate the transformation of the implementation of state customs affairs in the context of anti-crisis response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The research is based on the following general scientific methods: analysis and synthesis, systematisation, and generalisation. This paper defines the main approaches to reengineering the work of customs authorities, which should work continuously and in conditions of time constraints; organisational response design; anti-epidemic protection of officials; digitalisation of customs procedures; customs regulation; trade promotion measures. In particular, it was noted that in crisis conditions, the urgent task is to form operational groups of anti-crisis response, as it was introduced by China. The study describes the main responsibilities of such operational groups and focuses on the need for rapid changes in legislation and consultations with interested parties. The main measures to ensure the safety of personnel are identified, which should be formed by customs administrations in close cooperation with health authorities and other interested parties. Trade facilitation measures have also been identified, in particular by collecting data and submitting it to the World Trade Organization repository. The findings can be used to study and improve the directions for reforming the customs system of Ukraine.