Government approves structural changes in Bulgaria’s Customs Agency

The Council of Ministers adopted a Decree amending the Rules of Procedure of the Bulgarian Customs Agency and the Classification of Posts and Staff Categories in the Administration and the Ordinance on its Implementation, the government's press office said on 2^nd of January. The Customs Agency is restructured into Central Customs and Territorial Directorates. Two Chief Directorates are included in the structure: "Customs Intelligence and Investigation" and "Information Systems and Analytical Activities".

The territorial structures of the Agency are restructured in order to better coordinate, manage and control the implementation of Custos Agency’s core functions and tasks, to achieve faster workflows, and increase efficiency and effectiveness in human resource management.

The changes are envisaged to strengthen the administrative capacitiy at central and territorial level and to make customs authorities activities more effective in terms of customs controls, including controls in the field of customs, excise and currency offenses and crimes.

As a result of the restructuring, optimization of the administration will be achieved by removing redundant structures, increasing the efficiency of customs work and optimizing the workload of customs officials.

The reform is expected to enhance revenue collection as a result of the increased oversight functions; to increase the quality of the administrative capacity and optimize the vertical organizational structure.