Bulgarian Customs Boast Contraband Interception, Revenues Still Low

The Bulgarian customs authorities have managed to intercept over BGN 400 M worth of contraband fuels and cigarettes since the start of PM Plamen Oresharski's term.

Despite this figure however, the Bulgarian Customs Agency has gathered BGN 322 M less than the revenue envisioned in the national budget for 2013, Dariknews reports.

Experts argue that most of the intercepted contraband was through major specialized operations, while much of the smaller smuggling channels have managed to outwit the authorities.

The analysis of the Ministry of Finance is that the Customs Agency still has much more room for improvement. Discipline among its staff is still an issue, and structural changes can be expected in the future. Better cooperation between the National Revenue Agency and the Customs Agency is also recommended.

On the other hand, customs officials complain that the unstable political situation is affecting their work. Frequent changes in the agency's management and the regulations are pointed out as major problems.

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