We are glad to send you the call forexpression of interest relating to the above-mentioned workshop organised by the German Customs Administration under the Common Learning Events Programme (CLEP) of the Programme Customs. The key objective of the CLEP programme is to allowtrainers, subject matter experts, and experts with teaching practice, todeliver training to Member State administrations staff, enabling them tobenefit mutually from existing expertise in the field of customs and,in doing so, to enhance training capacity as well as professionalism of publicadministrations.

Due to a constantly increasing trade volume and limited personnel resources at the same time, it is necessary that customs authorities enhance their efficiency and effectiveness of non-intrusive inspections. The German customs administration has established a specific training at national level as an effective and successful way to constantly improve the skills and performance of its image operators. The training focuses on the detection of cigarettes, drugs and weapons on X-ray images. It is also a useful plat-  form to share information and to exchange gathered knowledge and latest trends linked to X-ray controls. Based on this national training concept the German customs administration will organise a CLEP event.

The CLEP event will be highly interactive and will include theoretical training lessons, discussions, works in groups, and practical exercises (Training software from NUCTECH called TSIA). The course will provide comprehensive basic knowledge to become familiar with the use of mobile and stationary X-ray scanners. The customs officers participating in the training will be qualified to provide reliable interpretation of X-Ray images in accordance to possible seizures. Participants will learn:

•  the characteristic attributes of unsuspicious components e.g. oversea trade containers, chassis, refrigerated containers and cars etc. on X-ray images

•  the detection of anomalies such as narcotic drugs, cigarettes and weapons.

To gain a better understanding of theoretical knowledge, various exercises will be carried out with different difficulty levels.

Language of the workshop

Working language: English. No interpretation will be provided.

Participants will be reimbursed from the Customs programme. The travel and living (accommodation and daily allowance) will be covered from the Customs programme budget under the conditions specified in the financial guide.

At this stage, no travel arrangements should be made by the applicants. Organisational aspects and further information will be sent to the selected participants and their national administrations in due time.