On 10-13 September 2018, customs experts from Chisinau and Tiraspol visited Poland to learn about international and EU standards in insuring Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). This study visit was a part of EUBAM wider efforts in enhancing IPR protection on both banks of the Nistru River and its alignment to the international standards.

IPR experts from the Customs Department of the Polish National Revenue Administration briefed the guests on IPR legislative and policy issues, cooperation with private sector and tasks of the WCO Regional Intelligence Liaison Office (RILO). Specialists from Polish Patent Office delivered a detailed presentation on the trademark protection.

The study visit also included interactive practical exercises. During the visit to the Customs Branch “Post Office” in Warsaw, the customs experts were involved in detecting IPR infringements in incoming postal shipments and physical control of selected parcels. While visiting the Customs Office I Cargo in Warsaw, the experts observed the use of IT systems for customs clearance, risk analysis and information exchange.

The study visit is a part of the series of events organised by EUBAM aimed at confidence building between the two banks of the Nistru River.