The second in a series of three BTSF workshops on import controls on food and feed products of non-animal origin takes place in Pisa and Livorno, Italy on 23-26 March. Around 50 people are to attend from EU Member States, candidate and European Free Trade Association countries. They are mainly national authority staff from central and regional levels involved in import controls on of products of non-animal origin.

The training should provide participants with a solid knowledge of Community requirements for food and feed imports. This should improve implementation of EU legislation and contribute to developing best practices for controls on relevant products.

The workshop is to be delivered by an expert team of nine tutors from three different EU Member States. Training methods include presentations by experts, discussion of main issues in small groups, study of typical cases and field visits including simulation exercises and viewing of control activities.

Main areas to be covered include EU import control legislation and its implementation, standard operating procedures for official controls and documentary, identity and physical checks. Further subjects include information systems used to improve controls and laboratory testing.

Participants will be given both European and national perspectives on cooperation with customs. The Italian experience of official controls on feed imports will also be outlined.

This programme began with a workshop in Rome in January. It is to conclude with a further event in Genoa in April.