The overall objectives of the BTSF Training Course on Border control posts: Import controls on live animals are:

  • To disseminate best practices for import control procedures, improving knowledge of this complex area of work and ensuring consistent and high implementation standards across the Union;
  • To facilitate transition to the new scheme represented by the OCR and the comprehensive set of rules built around it;
  • To go deep into the legal requirements and procedures relating to official border controls, covering theoretical content and legal requirements but including a practical approach to ensure a good understanding of the current framework;
  • To facilitate the development of a harmonised approach to official controls at BCPs, offering an environment and atmosphere where delegates can share their experiences & problems encountered during their daily work;
  • To put on the table common problems and experiences to find common solutions, best practice and encounter alternative and improved ways of working more effectively and efficiently;
  • To provide the participants with the necessary tools and materials to disseminate the knowledge gained through the training course to colleagues in their home countries;
  • To promote relationships between BCPs.

The course addresses the following topics:

  • Selected aspects of EU legislation, especially where interpretation can be difficult such as rules on welfare and other environemental field (CITES, invasive alien species), world of equidae, non-commercial entry of pets, non-harmonised animals, rules on composite products, personal consignments (luggage, postal/courier parcels), monitoring plans), rules on samples, destruction of kitchen waste and other waste animal products from vessels and other means of transport
  • Practical aspects of implementation procedures (best practices) for controls on imports/transits of products (documentary checks, re-entry of Union consignments, channelling, sampling of consignments, laboratory tests, re-enforced checks, non conforming consignments etc...)
  • Cooperation with customs services, intelligence gathering, risk assessment procedures and information exchange with other competent authorities
  • Use of IT systems (TRACES)
  • Discussion groups or common problems concerning veterinary checks and on their solution, particularly with regard to infringement detextions, decisions to be taken and their enforcement

This Training Programme has been designed for the profiles and positions described below. Please verify compliance with the selection criteria before submitting or validating applications.

  • Official control staff from relevant competent authorities operating or involved in Border Control Posts (seaport, airport and road/rail) control systems.
  • Participants must be newcomer participants with a basic knowledge of border official controls or participants with a working knowledge of border official controls, all of them working in a BCP or working at local or central level with responsibilities in import controls.
  • Participants should register for the type of course (Food of animal origin and composites products or Live animals) they are interested in whatever the type of Border Control Post (Airport/Seaport/Road/Rail) they work in or are experienced.
  • Participants must be in a position to provide training to other colleagues and share the experience following their attendance to the training.
  • Participants must be able to understand and speak English in order to participate actively in the training session. 
Session Start Date End Date Course City Country
2 06/12/2021 15/12/2021 LA Online Online
4 07/03/2022 16/03/2022 LA Online Online

Phase 2

Session Start Date End Date Course City Country
2_1 11/09/2023 14/09/2023 LA Algeciras Spain
2_8 20/01/2025 24/01/2025 LA Amsterdam The Netherlands