CLEP on Customs Control Process at External (Railway) Borders
Date
23 September 2025 9.00 - 25 September 2025 17.00 UTC
ART code
CTR/026/001
Short description
The objective of the event is to conduct a specialized training session for customs officers, as well as for professionals who serve as trainers on this topic. The training is aimed at enhancing the exchange of expertise between the Latvian Freight Train Inspection Centre of Excellence and its counterparts across the European Union. During the training, participants will not only deepen their professional knowledge but also share best practices, innovative approaches, and real-life case studies in the field of freight train inspection. This will lay a solid foundation for further cooperation and improved efficiency of customs control at the EU level.
Domain / Area
Customs
Location
Daugavpils, Latvia Daugavpils, Rīgas iela 4/6
Application deadline
25 August 2025, 16.00 (UTC +1.00) Europe/Brussels
Organiser
Latvia
Number of participants
18
Number of participants / country
2
Description
The Latvian Centre of Excellence "Train Search" has extensive and successful experience in customs control of incoming and outgoig freight trains.
The Latvian Customs Administration proposes to organize a three-day training session to share both theoretical and practical knowlege, as well as best practices in the field of physical inspection of freight trains, with customs officers from other EU Member States.
Similar training sessions were already conducted every year since 2022, receiving very positive feedback from participants and national administrations.
The objective of this CLEP event is to enhance the professional and technical skills, as well as the competencies, of customs officers performing controls at the EU’s external railway border. This includes the application of risk management methods, the use of IT tools, and the implementation of both documentary and physical inspections.
A particular focus of the training will be placed on practical exercises, including hands-on work with real railway traffic. Participants will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-world conditions, closely aligned with their daily operational duties, which will significantly increase the effectiveness of the training.
The event will follow a "train-the-trainer" format to maximize the outreach and impact of Latvian Centre of Excellence across the EU. During the training, participants will also be encouraged to share best practices, experiences, and specific case studies from their own professional environments. Trainers from Latvia and Lithuania will take part in delivering the sessions.
- Theory : (classroom)
1.1 Presentations of updated Train search methods, cargo control methods, team work, safety, methods of concealment, technical equipment, etc.
1.2 Discussions
1.3 Videos
- Practice : (Railway border crossing point)
2.1 Exercises and 'Hands on' case studies on cargo trains in a real environment.
3. Working language: English - no translation
The contacperson for this event is Olegs Jerofejevs (olegs.jerofejevs@vid.gov.lv) or (oleg.jerofejev@inbox.lv), phone: +37125956339
Profile of participants
Priority: The program primarily targets customs officers from EU Member States and EU candidate countries who have at least one year of relevant work experience.
Alternative: In the event of an insufficient number of participants from EU Member States, the program may accept customs officers from third countries associated with the EU Customs Programme.
Participant Profile: Candidates should meet the following criteria:
- Current Employment: Employed as a customs officer in an EU Member State or in a third country associated with the EU Customs Programme.
- Work Experience: At least one year of experience in customs operations, including customs control and physical inspections at railway border crossing points.
- Training Experience (optional): Experience in preparing and delivering training programs at the national level is considered an asset, especially for those intending to share the acquired knowledge with colleagues.
- Basic Knowledge: All participants should have a fundamental understanding of freight train inspection procedures, including knowledge of the legal framework, risk analysis methods, and technical aspects of inspections.
- Good communication skills.
REMARK: official uniform, official shoes, gloves, fluorescent reflective safety jackets are mandatory during training for safety and protection measures at work.
Target
Experts with teaching practice, National trainers, Subject matter experts