National Customs Agency

 In the period 3-6.04.2023, the National Customs Agency hosted an operational workshop on good law enforcement practices against the illegal trade of fake and illegal pesticides. Lecturers at the workshop, organized by The Bulgarian Crop Protection Association (BgCPA), were leading foreign experts in the field of developing innovative and sustainable technologies for plant protection. More than 50 customs officials went through a lecture and practical training course at the National Training Center in Sofia, at Customs Varna TD, as well as at Kapitan Andreevo BCP.
The workshop in Sofia was opened by the deputy director general of the National Customs Agency. Mr. Plamen Pavlov emphasized the importance of training for employees involved in the customs control of the external borders of the EU. He welcomed the initiative, which is an example of good interaction with the non-governmental and private sector for the benefit of the environment, health and security of Bulgarian and European citizens.
The BgCPA, FMC and Syngenta stressed the damage illegal pesticides can have on the health of farmers, the crops, the environment, and its impact on national economy, and the importance of public-private sector cooperation to be more effective against this type of illegal trade.
Mr Christophe Zimmermann - director at SGS, accredited expert in the fight against illegal trade at the WCO - World Customs Organization, EU, US Department of Justice, provided Customs with expertise and know-how to detect and identify counterfeited and illegal pesticides.
During the first two days, operative customs officers participated live in the event in Sofia and online from Kapitan Andreevo BCP, Lesovo BCP, Customs Bourgas TD at wеll. On April 5, a theoretical seminar was held for officials from Customs Varna TD, and the focus of the last day was practical questions and control checks in real conditions at Kapitan Andreevo BCP.
Risk analysis, new techniques for targeted inspections and distinguishing real from fake pesticides, specific sequential steps in case of suspected illegal shipments are some of the topics of the presentations presented at the workshop with a practical focus on countering illegal plant protection products.
Customs officials who took part in the operational workshop received a certificate from the organizers who were impressed by the active attitude and fruitful discussions regarding shared practices on how to carry out more effective control with less effort.
The exchange of information with customs officials supports effective actions to prevent the importation of illegal pesticides already at the border. Active training and the application of up-to-date knowledge and skills in practice helps to deal with the growing problem of their spread in Bulgaria and Europe. It will also contribute to achieving the objectives of the EU Green Deal and the Farm-to-Fork strategy by preventing the entry of illegal pesticides into the EU, it was made clear during the workshop.