Plan for inventory and disposal of confiscated cigarettes adopted

The Coordination Body for inventory of seized goods in the Free Zone Port of Bar has adopted an action plan that will lead to the destruction of confiscated cigarettes.

At its second session, chaired by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, it was decided to submit the Plan for inventory of seized goods, cost estimation for inventory and destruction, and request for support regarding the handling of waste resulting from the destruction of seized tobacco products to the Delegation of the European Union, which has expressed readiness to provide funding for the implementation of inventory and destruction activities.

It was emphasised that it is essential to make the entire process maximally transparent, with the participation of representatives from the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to assist in this regard.

The importance of documenting every step in the process was also highlighted to ensure that the public regains trust in institutions.

The Coordination Body tasked the Customs Administration to, in accordance with the provisions of the Customs Law, the Regulation on the conditions and manner of sale of customs goods and other procedures with customs goods, the Tobacco Law, and the Excise Law, clearly establish, through a special act, the facts and circumstances confirming that the seized tobacco products cannot be sold and need to be destroyed.

It was concluded that the process could be completed by June.