8. Article

Prevention of corruption The National Customs Board acknowledges that prevention of corruption is required in the Customs Service, and will implement the following measures in order to reduce the incidence of, and opportunity for, corruption: • to develop customs internal audit as an effective means in the fight against corrupted customs officers; • to develop and implement the Customs Officer's Code of Conduct on the basis of the SRS Code of Ethics; • to review disciplinary measures and to supply such information to all managers; • to review the recruiting, training, and pay structures of the Customs Service; • in reviewing organisation and procedures, to consider ways of reducing the opportunity for corruption; • to encourage importers (through the medium of the Customs Consultative Council) to form "Islands of Integrity", reporting incidents of possible corruption to the National Customs Board; • to submit material to law enforcement institutions for criminal inquiry against officers who are considered being involved in corruption. Conclusion The Customs Service of the Republic of Latvia has a major task ahead of it to achieve its aim to become a service, which can be favourably compared with the best customs services of the European Union. This document indicates a firm commitment by the Latvian Customs to commence and to implement an intensive program of change. The strategic direction of the service will be subject to change, so will the Customs Business Strategy need to reflect those changes. Therefore it will be reviewed at regular intervals to ensure its continuing compliance with policy and priorities of the Government of the Republic of Latvia.