31 May 2024
Belarus, Equatorial Guinea seek closer cooperation in customs
The bill “On ratification of the agreement between the Government of the Republic of Belarus and the Government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs affairs” was passed at the meeting of the first session of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus of the eighth convocation on 30 May, BelTA has learned.
The agreement between the governments of Belarus and Equatorial Guinea on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs affairs was signed in Malabo on 9 December 2023 in order to strengthen and develop international cooperation in customs relations. The document stipulates that the governments of the two countries, through their customs authorities, shall provide mutual assistance to each other in ensuring the proper application of customs legislation provisions, preventing and combating violations of customs legislation, investigations to identify persons who have committed violations of customs legislation, as well as the transfer and notification of documents related to customs legislation.The agreement determines the main forms of cooperation of customs authorities of the states, the procedure for mutual assistance in customs affairs and exchange of information necessary for prevention, suppression and investigation of customs offenses. The document stipulates that all information transferred in any form shall be confidential. It shall be guaranteed the same protection as exists for similar information and documents under the laws in force within the territory of the contracting party receiving such information.The agreement also contains requirements related to the protection of personal data during their transfer. In particular, it is stipulated that the contracting party shall ensure the standard of data protection established by the national law of the contracting party that provided the data.
The agreement contains exceptions to the obligation to provide assistance in cases where the fulfillment of the request may prejudice the sovereignty, public order, security and other essential interests of the contracting party, or may result in the disclosure of industrial, commercial or professional secrets.
