New conduct guidelines for customs staff

Customs staff will have to follow a new code of conduct, aimed to prevent situations that could affect the reputation of the service, after its publication in the latest issue of the Official Gazette on Friday, Info-Prim Neo reports. The code sets out quality standards for customs services and aims to encourage the large public to participate in upgrading the quality of these services. The code of conduct says the customs staff must treat all the persons crossing the border with fairness and without bias. Discrimination on grounds of nationality, origin, race, sex, religion or age is forbidden. The customs workers shall never use the information obtained during work in pursuit of their own or other people's personal interest. The code also says the customs staff shall thwart any attempt or act of bribery by reporting the case to the superior. The customs staff are also obliged to observe the tidiness of their apparel, avoid drinking alcohol during work and smoking in forbidden places. For any violation of the code, disciplinary punishment is applicable in conformity with the Customs Service Law #1150-XIV.