Technical Assistance for Further Alignment of Legislation with the Acquis Communautaire in the Field of Customs

The overall objective of the project is to support the reform process undertaken by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, by achieving further alignment of the Customs legislation with the Acquis Communautaire and EU best practices and strengthening the administrative capacity of MCA (Macedonian Customs Administration) to meet the EU requirements in this area while establishing a sound and modern legal foundation for the Customs business.

• A thorough assessment of the situation in the field of Customs legislation and procedures, resulting in an accurate gap analysis, by comparing the MCA’s current status with the requirements of the Acquis Communautaire;
• The formulation and adoption of a fully agreed Action Plan identifying the necessary provisions yet to be introduced or aligned;
• A set of procedures and standards to be established in line with the best practices and the Acquis Communautaire and the Revised Kyoto Convention;
• Establishment of a Legal Drafting Team and Legal Drafting of a complete set of legislation, fully harmonised with EU legislation;
• A training programme developed for the MCA staff on the application of the new legislation and establishment of a mentoring and coaching programme for MCA managers to fully acquaint them with the EU standards and best practices, including delivery of two relevant study visits to Member State’s or neighbouring country’s Institutions;
• Raised public awareness of the new role of the MCA according to EU Standards:
  
  • ­Development of material for raising public awareness of MCA’s new role;
  • ­Assist MCA in identifying, planning and delivering activities for raising public awareness;
  • ­Organisation of two conferences/workshops for the public and relevant stakeholders.