Here is the rewritten article in markdown format:
Turkey Strengthens its Customs Risk Management System
Ankara, Turkey - In a bid to further improve its risk management and analysis system, Turkey has recently implemented a twinning arrangement with German and United Kingdom customs administrations. The project, titled “Modernization of the Turkish Customs Administration VI - Risk Management”, aimed to enhance the country’s ability to curb illicit trade in commercial goods, narcotics, and explosives.
Background
The Ministry of Customs and Trade (MoCT), established in 2011 by merging the Undersecretariat of Customs with the Ministry of Trade, has been working to strengthen its risk management system since 2008. The system, which categorizes transactions based on high, medium, and low-risk scores, takes into account a trader’s compliance history and enables the MoCT to carry out risk-based controls.
Risk Analysis Department
The Risk Analysis Department of the Directorate-General for Risk Management and Control carries out central risk analysis operations, while Regional Risk Analysis Units at 16 regional directorates perform regional risk analysis. Local Customs offices also conduct local risk analysis activities based on local issues and considerations.
Training and Capacity Building
Under the project, all Customs personnel involved in risk analysis received training with a focus on:
- Declarations
- Summary declarations
- Fast parcel operators
- The EU’s New Computerized Transit System (NCTS)
- Simplified procedures
- Data mining
A total of 727 Customs officials from central and local offices participated in workshops and seminars, while 35 officers went on study visits to Germany and the United Kingdom.
Results
The project produced a “Business Strategy” and “Risk Analysis Guideline”, which explains how to carry out risk analysis and identify relevant data for suspect consignments. Turkish Customs has not only reviewed and updated its risk management system but also implemented a new organizational structure at regional level.
Simplified Procedures
The project introduced simplified procedures in Turkey, already applied in Germany and the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, a new Customs Code entered into force on January 10, 2013, covering concepts such as:
- Authorized traders
- Local clearance
- Authorized consignors and consignees
Ensuring compatibility with EU standards.
Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program
Turkey has officially unveiled its new Customs Code to traders and held seminars in major trade cities to inform them about the implementation of a new Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. The country plans to continue improving its risk analysis activities as part of recent reorganization efforts to become a major player in global trade, ensuring transactions take place with optimum security, speed, and ease.
Contact Information
For more information, please contact: