Lithuanian parliament debates customs reform amid concerns over ending officer rotation

The Lithuanian parliament is set to hold a final vote on amendments to the customs law that would relax experience requirements for senior customs leadership—but critics warn the proposed elimination of officer rotation could weaken anti-corruption safeguards, LRT reports.

On Tuesday, lawmakers backed changes removing the statutory experience requirement for customs director candidates, aiming to broaden the pool of applicants. However, during debates, Liberal MP Vitalijus Gailius raised concerns over plans to scrap the rotation system for customs officers.

Gailius argued that rotation—a practice where officers are periodically reassigned to different border posts—has been a proven tool in the EU for mitigating corruption risks. “Officers are currently hired by the Customs Department, allowing for rotation when risks or corrupt ties are identified. This is a critical and well-proven practice across most EU customs agencies,” he stated.

He highlighted the scale of smuggling, noting that “the majority of illegal tobacco entering Lithuania and the EU comes through border checkpoints,” and questioned whether the removal of rotation was unintentional or a deliberate move to dismantle an anti-corruption measure. Gailius pledged to propose retaining the rotation system.

Under the revised draft law, candidates for customs director-general would need at least a master’s degree (or equivalent) and three years of managerial experience. The current law sets no formal requirements for the customs director, leaving criteria to the Finance Ministry’s discretion during recruitment.

The reforms also include structural changes, merging Lithuania’s eight regional and specialised customs offices into a single national customs authority. Additionally, the customs director would remain barred from unilaterally altering the agency’s structure without the finance minister’s approval.

The vote follows a stalled recruitment process for the customs director post. After the Finance Ministry cancelled an earlier competition—won by acting deputy director Žaneta Rudaitienė—a new selection was launched in May, with applications accepted until May 8.