Customs 2002: action programme 1996-2002 in the Community

OBJECTIVE : to adopt an action programme for customs which widens the scope of the existing programme and gives a unified approach to assisting Member States increase the efficiency of customs operations. COMMUNITY MEASURE : Decision 105/2000/EC adopting an action programme for Customs in the Community (Customs 2000) and repealing Council Decision 91/341/EEC. CONTENT : The programme, which has been in force since 1 January 1996, is intended to supplement action by Member States in the customs field. Its aim is to contribute to the development and modernisation of customs administrations by increasing the effectiveness of procedures and controls at the entry and exit points of the community customs territory, and ensure the best possible management of the internal market. - This new measure widens the scope of the programme by bringing various provisions relating particularly to the computerisation of transit, vocational training of customs officials and technical assistance to certain third countries within a single instrument. It is financed from a single budget heading. - Vocational training for customs officials will take place along the lines instituted by the Mattheus programme set up by the Council in 1991. - The programme will be open to participation by the applicant countries of Central and Eastern Europe, Cyprus, Malta and (on a case-by-case basis) Turkey. - The programme's budget is increased to 135 million. ENTRY INTO FORCE: 19/01/2000.�