The Turkish Ministry of Customs and Commerce visits Spanish customs

Part of the Twinning project on “Improving the detection capacity of Turkish customs authorities”, a delegation from the Turkish Ministry of Customs and Trade visited the Algeciras and La Linea de la Concepción customs posts, as well as the port of Algeciras. A practical visit to the facilities took place, guided by Customs and Customs Surveillance officials, to show the delegation how this work is done at Spanish customs.

The purpose of the study visit was to bolster the capability of all public agents involved in customs management and to familiarize the beneficiary administration with Spain’s experience in the application of European regulations.

The visit showcased the geographical location of the port of Algeciras, at Europe’s southern border and its importance worldwide in maritime traffic. To that end, in addition to conferences, there were visits to the port and container terminals to see the real scale of the operation.

Other aspects touched upon were the major problem in relation to drug smuggling, especially drugs originating from Morocco, and the current increase in tobacco smuggling from Gibraltar.

To achieve these objectives, a series of presentations were organized and visits to customs control facilities took place, focusing mainly on operational aspects of the fight against smuggling, work systems, cooperation with other bodies and State security forces.

General information about the project:

The general goal of the twinning project, financed by the European Union and led by the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency, in consortium with Spain through the Spanish Tax Administration (AEAT), is to improve the detection capability of the Turkish customs authorities, contribute to the achievement of optimal protection of what will be the future European borders, and help it fulfil the tasks and obligations of a community customs administration.