Belarus studies EU practices in streamlining border crossing control

         Belarus is studying the European Union’s experience in streamlining inspection functions at border crossings at a seminar hosted by the State Customs Committee in cooperation with the European Commission’s program TAIEX in Minsk. 
        Issues under discussion include transport, veterinary, phyto-sanitary control functions. Customs authorities and other border control services needs establishing information cooperation. The participants of the seminar also discuss anti-corruption and conflict of interest management methods. According to the State Customs Committee, the customs bodies of Belarus are working hard on introducing a “two services at the border” principle. The principle envisages a transfer of a number of transport, veterinary and phyto-sanitary control functions to the customs and border authorities. The seminar will promote a positive effect from simplifying border crossing procedures for people, goods and transport vehicles. It will also help harmonize the national legislation with the legislation and law enforcement practices of the European Union.