Source: WCO/Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DGDDI)
30 April 2020
Measures adopted by the DGDDI to reduce the effects of COVID-19
1. Measures to facilitate the cross-border movement of relief consignments and essential supplies
1.1. Borders are closed to passenger traffic but not to movements of goods, to facilitate the supplying of countries in the hinterland.
1.2. Sea and air borders are still open to cargo carriers for the transportation of goods for both import and export.
1.3. Concessions have been granted to facilitate the clearance of supplies and equipment imported as part of the campaign to halt the spread of the virus.
2. Measures to support the economy and ensure supply chain continuity
2.1. Goods traffic is moving normally.
2.2. Airport and port are still open to cargo carriers for the transportation of goods for both import and export.
3. Measures to ensure protection for Customs Administration personnel
3.1 Each Customs unit has been equipped with a hand-washing facility, in particular at each entry to the head office of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. 3.2. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer, masks and gloves have been distributed to all Central and Departmental Technical Directorates. 3.3. The internal work in Customs offices has been reorganized, with the introduction of a rotation system. 3.4. Administrative mail is held in isolation for between 24 to 48 hours before being dealt with.
3.5. Customs officers have been made aware of the correct distance to be maintained for the protection of health. 3.6. All Customs officers are required to wear masks.
4. Measures to ensure protection for the public
4.1. Priority has been given to exchanging administrative post by e-mail. 4.2. There is a hand-washing facility for customers at each entry to the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. 4.3. There is alcohol-based hand-sanitizer for customers to disinfect their hands at each entry to the Directorate General of Customs and Excise.
5. Other measures
5.1. Video-conferencing facilities have been brought into use for administrative business. 5.2. Seminars, workshops and meetings involving more than ten (10) people have been suspended.
Further information: http://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/pub....