On 10 and 11 January, Ms. Teodora Zlatkova, sole owner of TOP SPED Ltd. – a customs representative, and Mr. Stefan Bakalov, Head of the “Counter-Narcotics Trafficking” Department at the Central Customs Directorate of the Customs Agency, delivered guest lectures to students enrolled in the Master’s programme “Customs and Tax Control”, headed by Assoc. Prof. Tsvetan Madanski, PhD. The lectures were held as part of the course “Customs Regimes and Procedures”.

Ms. Teodora Zlatkova presented the topic “Customs Representation”. In the context of globalization and a changing international environment, customs authorities, together with customs representatives, play a key role in ensuring the security of supply chains. The independent establishment of customs representatives as an integral element of international trade chains is also of significant importance for the customs control system itself. Customs administrations are interested in working with fair and reliable partners who largely meet the requirements for legality in the conduct of foreign trade operations.

The presentation was extremely interesting and useful, delivered in a clear and professional manner. It addressed key issues related to the rights and obligations of participants in the customs process, the provision of information, as well as the types of customs representation – direct and indirect. The presentation was followed by a lively discussion that lasted more than an hour.

In his lecture entitled “New Psychoactive Substances, Global Drug Trafficking and Emerging Risks”, Mr. Stefan Bakalov presented in a professional and engaging manner the topic of the global drug market, which continues to expand and become increasingly complex. With more than 35 years of experience in the customs administration, the lecturer concluded his presentation with an analysis of the links between global drug trafficking and the activities of international cartels, including those operating in the Balkans.

A very productive discussion also took place on issues related to narcotic substances transported through postal and courier shipments, as well as on the topic of so-called “controlled deliveries”.