Open topic on better customs and supply chain security

The main goal of this opportunity is to strengthen customs and supply chain security at the EU's external borders. It focuses on enhancing prevention, detection, and deterrence of illegal activities, as well as improving anti-tampering measures. Projects should aim to boost interoperability and reduce disruptions to trade flows, especially in situations affected by geopolitical or environmental issues. Proposals are encouraged to introduce creative or disruptive solutions and address new or unforeseen challenges. The geographic scope requires active collaboration between Customs Authorities from at least two different EU Member States or Associated Countries.

• Development of advanced detection technologies for illicit goods and materials in customs and supply chains.
• Design of flexible, relocatable surveillance systems to respond to evolving cross-border trafficking threats.
• Creation of interoperable, low-footprint solutions enhancing customs security while minimizing trade disruptions.
• Piloting of anti-tampering and threat identification tools in coordination with customs and border authorities.
• Integration of cybersecurity, human rights, and environmental safeguards into next-gen customs security solutions.

Example Projects:

• A project where two national Customs Authorities collaborate to pilot new detection technology at border checkpoints using satellite data.
• An initiative to develop an anti-tampering system for shipping containers, tested jointly by Customs Authorities from different countries.
• A project that creates a real-time data-sharing platform to enhance interoperability between customs offices in multiple EU states.

• Lump sum payments for project implementation
• Grants for third parties (up to EUR 100,000 per third party)
• Costs for piloting, testing, or validation activities by additional practitioners
• Personnel costs directly related to project activities
• Equipment and materials necessary for research and testing
• Travel and accommodation for project meetings and fieldwork
• Software and data access required for project objectives
• Communication and dissemination activities
• Subcontracting for specialized technical services
• Management and coordination costs

Restriction: A maximum of EUR 100,000 can be granted to each third party. Between 5% and 20% of the total EU funding requested may be allocated for financial support to third parties.

• Budget for this Call: 9,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 3
• Budget per grant: 3,000,000€

• Applicants must comply with the general eligibility conditions outlined in the Horizon Europe Work Programme.
• At least two Customs Authorities from two different EU Member States or Associated Countries must be actively involved as beneficiaries.
• The project must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS services if it involves satellite-based data or related technologies.
• Applicants must complete the security practitioners table in the application form.
• Beneficiaries are required to provide financial support to third parties in the form of grants (up to EUR 100,000 per third party).
• Applicants must explain and justify how each beneficiary fulfills the eligibility requirements.
• Partnerships and networks between Customs Authorities from different eligible countries are mandatory.