Serbian translation of OSCE-UNECE handbook of best practices at border crossings launched

The Serbian translation of the Handbook of Best Practices at Border Crossings – A Trade and Transport Facilitation Perspective, developed by the OSCE and the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), was presented on 24 November 2014 at a high-level launch event in Belgrade.

Originally published in English at the end of 2012 and later updated and translated into several language versions, the handbook provides an overview of tools and methodologies that can be used to harmonize and simplify existing procedures for moving legitimate cargo across borders. Through case studies and practical examples, it also provides an opportunity for countries to learn from each other’s experiences.

“One of the main purposes of the handbook is to assist Governments in developing more efficient border, transport and customs policies,” said Halil Yurdakul Yigitguden, Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities. “Serbia in recent years has been significantly stepping up its efforts to meet international standards including when it comes to trade and transport facilitation and customs and border procedures. The handbook can be particularly helpful in this respect and serve as a basis for further improvement.”

Duško Marinković, Deputy Director General at Serbian Customs, said “This handbook will be a very useful tool for Serbian Customs especially having in mind our efforts to strengthen the administrative capacities of our service as well as to become a closer partner to the business community and facilitate trade as much as possible. The publication will be distributed within our administration and will also be used as training material in our Customs Vocational Centre."

The launch event was also attended by representatives of the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade which financed the translation into Serbian, and representatives of the incoming Serbian 2015 OSCE Chairmanship.

The handbook can be downloaded at www.osce.org/eea/88238.