Technical Assistance for Further Strengthening of Border Control

The overall objective of the project is to support the reform process undertaken by the MCA (Macedonia Customs Administration) and enhancing organizational and operative efficiency of the customs services in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
More specifically, the objectives of this project are aimed at:
Implementing a correct, systematic and effective customs controls at the border posts;
Facilitating the legal passage of passengers and goods;
Ensuring revenue collection and public security;
Strengthening the MCA’s capacity to fight against fraud and corruption.
Within the projects the following results have to be achieved:

• Review of progress of MCA’s New Transit System for Exchange of Electronic Data (NTSEED); development of a National Strategy for the rationalisation of border operations and establishment of a monitoring programme and evaluation of the effects on border efficiencies of Risk Profiling;
• Preparation of a review of the potential for cross-border sharing of facilities; Gap Analysis assessment and identification of future needs;
• Full assessment of IT technology and equipment needs, requirements, costs and timing;
• Development of a User Requirement for the MCA’s Enforcement Sector; carry out a Risk Assessment categorisation of all border crossings; providing PR advice on developing cooperation with the public and private sectors and media exposure;
• Development and implementation of a programme of Awareness Training for Customs staff and traders on the concept of EU AEO and assisting with delivery of a programme of Ethics and Internal Audit seminars for Senior & Middle managers; development of a modular training programme for border control staff and introduction of a “Training Website”.
• Review progress following the acquisition of mobile scanners; review on the need for equipping the border crossings with modern examination and detection equipment; preparing a case for donor funding on the development of a “small vehicle” inspection facility; review on the potential for revitalising public terminals at the border crossings; preparation of a report on the status and future needs of the “drug dog” units and assist in their deployment.