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Customs – Cooperation in Customs Matters (2021–2027)
Open

Grant
Last updated: 14.6.2025

The European Union's 'Customs' program aims to strengthen cooperation and uniform action within the Customs Union and among customs authorities in the EU. It protects the financial and economic interests of the Union and its Member States, promoting security and facilitating legitimate economic activities.

Who is Funded

The EU 'Customs' program primarily targets customs authorities and other competent bodies in participating countries to strengthen cooperation in customs matters. Its overarching goal is to protect the Customs Union and safeguard the financial and economic interests of the Union and its Member States. Funding is geographically aimed at EU Member States, accession, candidate, and potential candidate countries, as well as European Neighbourhood Policy partner countries.

What is Funded

The 'Customs' program focuses on measures that support the objectives of cooperation in customs matters and the protection of the Customs Union. This includes a wide range of activities, from the development and application of customs law and IT systems to capacity building and innovation projects. Measures that assist customs authorities in fulfilling their duties are eligible for funding, with up to 100% of eligible costs being covered.

Type and Scope of Funding

The 'Customs' program primarily provides financial support in the form of grants, covering up to 100% of eligible costs. The total allocation for the period 2021 to 2027 is 950 million euros. In addition to grants, prizes and procurement contracts are also possible.

Conditions and Requirements

The implementation of the 'Customs' program is based on multi-annual work programs that define the actions to be funded, expected results, funding amounts, and timelines. Financial assistance is granted in accordance with the Union's Financial Regulation. Special attention is paid to the shared responsibility of the Commission and Member States in the development and operation of European electronic systems.

Application Procedure

The application procedure for the 'Customs' program is based on multi-annual work programs established by the European Commission. These programs define the funding objectives, actions, funding amounts, and timelines. Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as relevance, quality, and cost-effectiveness, with customs authorities being able to receive financial assistance under certain conditions even without a call for proposals.

The 'Customs' program is legally enshrined in a specific EU Regulation that sets out its objectives, funding, and implementing provisions for the period 2021-2027. This Regulation forms the primary basis for all activities under the program.

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Funding Overview

Maximum Amount

Maximum Amount:

100% of eligible costs

Open Until

Open Until:

31.12.2027

Award Channel

Award Channel:

Framework Programme Call

Region

Region:

EU Member States, accession countries, candidate countries, potential candidate countries, European Neighbourhood Policy partner countries

Sectors

Sectors:

Other

Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries:

Customs authorities, other bodies in participating countries responsible for customs administration or customs-related activities

Funding Stages

Funding Stages:

Basic Research, Applied Research, Experimental Development, Feasibility Study, Prototyping, Product Development, Planning, Implementation, Infrastructure, Capacity Building, Awareness Campaigns

Funding Provider

Program Level: European Union

Funding Body: European Commission

Managed By: European Commission

Additional Partners: Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) - Coordination in Germany

Website: Bundesministerium der Finanzen