1. Measures to facilitate the cross-border movement of relief consignments and essential supplies

1.1.  As soon as the pandemic started, written instructions were sent to all front-line services that they should, as a matter of priority and at the greatest possible speed, process cases involving the importation of all products and supplies associated with COVID-19.

1.2.  This measure has been extended to consignments of such products and supplies in transit.

1.3.  The whole front line has been issued with the “HS Classification Reference for COVID-19 Medical Supplies” (1st and 2nd Editions) drawn up jointly by the WCO and the WHO.

2. Measures to support the economy and ensure supply chain continuity

2.1.  Despite being closed to passenger traffic, the air, sea and land borders have remained open for trade and goods in transit.

2.2.  The lockdown in force throughout the country (with a curfew from 18:00, moved to 21:00 since the beginning of Ramadan, and a ban on movement between towns) has made provision, among the official exceptions, for the movement of lorries used to supply goods within and between towns.

3. Measures to ensure protection for Customs Administration personnel

3.1.  All personnel have been supplied with personal protective equipment (gloves, masks and hand sterilizing gel), and appropriate hygiene measures have been put in place at the entries to all central and up-country services.

3.2.  “Social distancing” is enforced extremely strictly and with user flow management.

4. Measures to ensure protection for the public

4.1. All entry points have been made aware of the need to process any consignment relating to COVID-19 quickly and to take action against counterfeit products, followed by distribution, for that purpose, of prototypes of counterfeit products intercepted throughout the world.

4.2.  Ongoing coordination with the health services regarding the above-mentioned equipment and supplies.

4.3.  Ongoing coordination with the other armed forces and security services as part of coordinated border management.

5. Other measures

By decision of His Excellency the President of the Republic, exemption has been granted from all duties and taxes on the import of certain products for the rest of the year:

–  powdered milk;

–  fruit and vegetables listed in Chapters 7 and 8;

–  edible oils;

–  wheat;

–  wheat meal.