Customs

The Customs Programme is a European Union initiative designed to support and enhance cooperation among EU Member States' customs administrations. For the period 2021-2027, the programme has a budget of €950 million (current prices).Running from 2021 to 2027, the program is part of the broader EU budget and has a budget allocation to improve customs processes and cooperation.

 

Objectives

• Strengthen the EU Customs Union: Enhance cooperation and coordination among EU Member States’ customs authorities to ensure uniform application of EU customs laws.

• Facilitate Trade and Protect Citizens: Streamline customs procedures to facilitate legitimate trade while ensuring the safety and security of goods entering the EU, protecting citizens from dangerous goods and countering fraud.

• Digital Transformation: Support the development and deployment of digital tools and IT systems that facilitate the exchange of information between customs authorities and ensure the effective implementation of customs procedures.

 

Key Areas of Focus

• Cooperation and Exchange of Information

  • The program promotes cooperation among customs administrations of Member States, providing them with tools and platforms for the exchange of information, best practices, and strategies.

  • This includes joint actions, such as working groups, seminars, and training activities that bring customs officials together to tackle common challenges.

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• Training and Capacity Building

  • Provides training to customs officials across the EU to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to apply customs laws effectively and uniformly.

  • Encourages the sharing of expertise through staff exchanges, workshops, and e-learning initiatives.

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• Development of IT Systems

  • Supports the development, maintenance, and operation of trans-European IT systems that are crucial for customs operations, such as the Union Customs Code (UCC) electronic systems.

  • These systems help manage and monitor customs procedures, enabling real-time data exchange and coordination between customs authorities.

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• Innovation and Best Practices

  • Promotes the adoption of innovative solutions and best practices in customs operations to improve efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure the rapid clearance of goods.

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• Combating Fraud and Protecting the Supply Chain

  • Enhances the capability of customs authorities to detect and prevent fraud, counterfeiting, and other illegal activities.

  • Supports initiatives to improve the security of the supply chain, ensuring that goods entering the EU are safe and compliant with EU standards.

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Participation and Eligibility

The program is open to EU Member States’ customs administrations. Certain non-EU countries, such as candidate countries and countries of the European Economic Area (EEA), can also participate under specific conditions.