On 13 and 14 September a regular annual meeting of customs administrations of four neighbouring countries was held in Portorož. Purposes of the meeting were to exchange customs and excise experience, to deal with the most burning questions in the areas, good co-operation among border customs services and other future co-operation activities.
In the light of the Slovenian presidency of two EU Council working groups, i.e. the Customs Union group and the Customs Co-operation Working party, the representatives of the Slovenian Customs service presented preparation works and priorities.
Cross-border co-operation between Slovenia and Croatia was presented. The Customs on the common border exchange customs information in order to prevent illegal trafficking and misuse of the customs law.
In respect of trade in excise products Slovenia presented co-operation with Hungary. The co-operation is based on exchange of excise information for mineral oil consignments between the countries. Having regard to good results and since a great deal of mineral oil arrives in the Slovenian market from Italy, Slovenia suggested to establish similar co-operation with Italy as well.
The Hungarian customs presented good experience in co-operation with certain member states based on exchange of customs information on consignments released for free circulation under procedure 42 (VAT-suspension). Due to successful prevention of VAT-evasion, Hungary suggested a conclusion of similar agreement with Slovenia too.
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