On 1-3 April in Ashgabat, the EU-funded Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10) organised a technical assistance (TA) session on the elaboration of standard operational procedures for phytosanitary and veterinary (SPS) import controls by gathering experts of the SPS agencies responsible for the development and implementation of import controls in Turkmenistan.

The workshop was focused on modernisation of work process and introduction of modern working methods and tools in phyto-sanitary and veterinary control, which is a key element that will facilitate the legitimate flow of goods and cargo across borders. EU experts in cooperation with national experts worked on development of common standard operating procedure (SOP) for inspectors who will further apply them during practical inspections of goods. At the same time, following tools will be used for provision of primary trainings. 

The activity is expected to improve the consistency and effectiveness of control procedures for goods entering Central Asian countries, while also strengthening the capacity of SPS authorities to conduct effective controls on imports and exports, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and protecting public health. Technical assistance was organised within the Component 3 “Facilitation of Trade”, which aims to further support the regional economic integration process.